Across Arizona, rising housing costs, increasing rents, behavioral health challenges, substance use, and a growing number of people experiencing homelessness are placing new demands on faith communities and nonprofit organizations. Congregations and community organizations increasingly find themselves responding to complex situations for which they often have little training or clear organizational policies.

Arizona Faith Network and the Safe Communities Coalition invite you to a two-part Lunch & Learn series designed to equip faith leaders, nonprofit professionals, volunteers, and community organizations with both the knowledge and practical tools needed to serve neighbors experiencing housing insecurity with compassion, dignity, and wisdom.

Part One explores the realities driving Arizona's housing and homelessness crisis through data, lived experience, and frontline perspectives from organizations serving communities every day.
Part Two focuses on practical strategies for creating safe, welcoming, and sustainable ministries, including organizational policies, de-escalation, safety planning, referrals, and real-world scenarios that many congregations and nonprofits encounter. Together, these sessions will help participants better understand the challenges facing Arizona communities while developing thoughtful approaches that balance hospitality, safety, accountability, and long-term sustainability.