Hi, I’m comedian Sara Schaefer and I’m partnering with Flagstaff Shelter Services Inc. to help end homelessness in Northern Arizona. FSS’s mission is simple: shelter tonight, housing tomorrow. They provide individuals experiencing homelessness with crisis stabilization and the tools they need to achieve housing stability; regardless of faith, mental health, or sobriety. In 2019, FSS undertook a vital expansion of their facilities and services. This ambitious and crucially important project will cost them $1 million. As of the launch of this campaign, they are only $50,000 away from reaching that goal. SO CLOSE! Let’s do our part to help FSS cross the finish line, so that they can continue saving lives. A donation to this campaign brings us one step closer to effectively ending homelessness.
WHY AM I DOING THIS?
I am doing this because I believe that doing one small thing can make a big difference. Because I believe that, under the weight of the world’s overwhelming problems, it is possible to take a precise action that creates real change.
And because I believe that housing is a right. I learned this from my sister, Ross Altenbaugh, who is an absolute wizard when it comes to understanding homelessness. She runs Flagstaff Shelter Services, and I have witnessed firsthand their efforts to provide critical services to those most likely to die on the streets tonight. FSS is more than just a shelter to its clients – they encourage personal responsibility and proactive behavior in the search for housing, employment, and housing stabilization. There’s a reason that in 2019, FSS was named Nonprofit of the Year by Arizona Business Angels. It’s because what they are doing is working. 87% of clients who go through their program do not return to homelessness.
Our mom, Billie Schaefer, experienced homelessness at points during her childhood, and in her adulthood, she dedicated her life to helping those in need. She taught us to see ourselves in the most vulnerable in our midst. I am doing this to honor her legacy.
And finally, I am doing this to prove that I am a good person.*
*Just kidding. I’m doing it to prove that I am a literal saint.
WHY FLAGSTAFF?
If you live in Arizona, the answer to this is obvious. It’s your BACKYARD, ya dingdong. Don’t be a NIMBY (“Not In My Backyard”). Be a YIMBY (“Yes In My Backyard), and do not look away from your most vulnerable neighbors. Choose to see yourself in them and do something about it.
Also, if you live in Arizona, a donation to FSS qualifies you for the Charitable Contribution Tax Credit (formerly known as the Working Poor Tax Credit). Donate (up to $400 for an individual, or up to $800 for a family) before December 31st to take advantage of the tax credit this year! Make a dollar for dollar tax credit donation. Remember, for every $1 you donate to Flagstaff Shelter Services, you get $1 back – reducing your state taxes or increasing your refund (use code 20067). Learn more here.
If you do not live in Arizona, but you still care about ending homelessness wherever it exists, then this campaign is for you. Simply learning about the work that FSS is doing makes a difference. They are sharing and working with many other organizations across the entire nation, and a real groundswell is forming around the idea that homelessness does not have to be permanent if we do not want it to be. Throw FSS some change to thank them for being a part of the solution, and then find a local organization that believes in the concept of “housing first” for volunteering and financial support! Every little bit helps us all.
HOW YOU CAN HELP - DONATE, GLOAT, SHARE!
Your tax-deductible donation goes directly to the good work that FSS is doing.
$6 provides emergency shelter for an individual TONIGHT. For most of us, that’s one venti latte.
$2500 can permanently end someone’s homelessness. For good. For Gwyneth Paltrow, that’s one venti latte. (I don’t know, I just assume that’s how much she spends on a coffee. You know she’s sprinkling crushed up diamonds on top like it’s good for her skin.)
GO ON AND GLOAT
I don’t care if you’re donating just so you can post it on social media to prove to the world that you are a good person and morally superior to everyone in your life. In fact, if you donate, I will make it easier for you to gloat by personally sending you a pin that says “I AM A GOOD PERSON.” The larger the donation, the braggier the pin! Wear your pin around the office and explain why you got it. Inspire someone else to do one small thing.
SHARE!
Even if you can’t afford to donate, sharing this campaign will help us reach our goal, and we appreciate you taking the time to read this far. You are….dare I say it? A GOOD PERSON.
