Investment addresses homelessness in Arizona
Over 14,000 Arizona residents experienced homelessness, an increase of 29% from 2020.1 The rise in homelessness is especially pronounced in Maricopa County, where rates of people living without stable housing increased by 7% between April and June 2024.2 UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona aims to improve resources available to people experiencing homelessness through a $1.1 million donation to Keys to Change.
Keys to Change
Keys to Change operates within a collaborative framework, bringing together 14 partner organizations on a 13-acre Key Campus in downtown Phoenix.3 Established in 2005, Keys to Change addresses both individual and systemic challenges related to homelessness in Maricopa County. With a mission to reduce the duration of homelessness and minimize the likelihood of individuals returning to homelessness, the organization offers comprehensive services to improve long-term stability. Key Campus provides a wide range of essential resources, including health care, housing assistance, employment support, meal services and legal aid, helping thousands access a path to stability.
18,609 individuals served
4,663 accessed safe shelter
1,110 received Flex Funding
1,383 found permanent housing
Investment impact
The funding provided by UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona is allocated to three vital programs, each designed to support the unique needs of those facing homelessness:
- Welcome center and coordinated entry program
The Welcome Center serves as the lead intake and assessment hub for single adults within the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care. This program is staffed 18 hours a day, seven days a week, providing an accessible and structured entry point for people seeking help. The program aims to streamline the intake process, making it easier for individuals to connect with services that can help them transition into stable housing.
2. Client supportive services
Essential resources are provided through the Lodestar Day Resource Center (LDRC), which houses a variety of services provided by Keys to Change and partner agencies, including Department Of economic security, ID replacement, behavioral health, spiritual support, and social security benefits connections. As a centralized gateway to campus-wide resources, the LDRC supports clients’ daily needs and offers access to long-term, transformational assistance. Additional supportive services include basic amenities such as a shower program, a USPS-supported mail center, and storage lockers, allowing individuals to secure their belongings.
3. Client navigation and behavioral health support
The client navigation program includes Behavioral Health Coordinators who work with adults experiencing homelessness and one specialized Freedom Navigator who supports re-entry populations, including justice-involved and opioid-dependent individuals. This program includes SSI/SSDI outreach, access, and recovery specialists who assist people with mental illness or co-occurring substance use disorders in applying for Social Security disability benefits. The client-centered approach provides guidance and navigation, improving clients’ chances of achieving long-term independence.
Over the past year, Keys to Change served 18,609 individuals across all programs. Each individual received food, clothing and hygiene supplies, along with access to shelter, medical services, and navigation for permanent housing. In all, 4,663 people accessed safe shelter, 1,110 received Flex Funding for eviction prevention and move-in assistance, and 1,383 found permanent housing through Keys to Change Housing Navigation.
Personal impact: Deborah’s story
For many clients of Keys to Change, the organization offers a lifeline during a time of difficulty. One client, Deborah, found herself experiencing homelessness at the age of 70 due to unexpected rent increases after living in her apartment for 12 years. Evicted and without stable internet access, she lost her job. Deborah sought help at the Brian Garcia Welcome Center in January 2024, where she accessed services that ultimately helped her transition from transitional housing to permanent housing in April 2024.
“Keys to Change staff are always there. There’s stability, and that’s amazing. I can’t speak highly enough of the staff at Keys to Change and all the wraparound services as well,” Deborah shared.
Through collaboration with Keys to Change, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona is helping to provide a path to stability for thousands of Arizona residents, supporting holistic services that address immediate needs and build long-term resilience. By investing in resources that support health, safety and stability, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona and Keys to Change aim to make a lasting impact in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness and to strengthen the community in Maricopa County.
