For more than a century, Valley of the Sun United Way has aligned trusted nonprofit organizations and community leaders around shared solutions and data-driven action.
The urgency of this work is clear. Across Maricopa County, homelessness continues to rise as more families face economic instability. From January through December 2024, 19 new people experienced homelessness for every 10 people who found housing.
“Too many people are falling into homelessness throughout the Valley,” said Samantha Jackson, Community Development & Engagement Director for Housing and Homelessness at Valley of the Sun United Way. “This signals a growing imbalance between need and available support. The trauma and stigma that come with being unhoused can be a huge hurdle for someone to overcome.”
For Miledi, that moment came long before adulthood.
Miledi, a 24-year-old single mother born and raised in the Valley, grew up in a household impacted by domestic violence. She ran away from home at just 10 years old in search of safety.
“I was living on the streets until I was 15,” Miledi shared. “It was so scary as a child. I never had consistent support. Even when I got into the foster care system, it was turbulent.”
By the time she turned 18, she had aged out of foster care with nowhere to live and no clear path forward. At the same time, she was navigating another challenging reality – she had become pregnant while in an abusive relationship.
“Nobody wanted to take responsibility for me,” Miledi shared, wiping a tear. “I was at my lowest point. I knew I had to do better for my daughter. I wanted to give her everything I never had.”
With few options left, Miledi turned to Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), a Valley of the Sun United Way partner agency.
Staff first asked a simple but powerful question: What do you need right now?
That approach helped move Miledi out of survival mode and into stabilization – a critical step in preventing homelessness. JFCS Navigators worked alongside her to build foundational life skills, so she could go through the housing process independently.
Thanks to our corporate sponsors, such as Wells Fargo, a long-time partner supporting campaigns that promote housing stability and homelessness prevention – Valley of the Sun United Way is able to invest in coordinated solutions that help individuals move beyond crisis.
With encouragement and guidance from her JFCS support team, Miledi also pursued her GED – a milestone she once believed was out of reach. From there, she began exploring career pathways that aligned with her passion for helping others.
“At Valley of the Sun United Way, we’re proud to partner with Jewish Family & Children’s Service to connect young people to real workforce pathways and lasting opportunity through the Real World Job Development Program,” said Bertha Tapia, Community Development & Engagement Director for Workforce Development at Valley of the Sun United Way.
Inspired by the support she received, Miledi discovered an interest in barbering. Through Valley of the Sun United Way’s workforce network, she successfully applied and enrolled in school.
Miledi’s journey reflects what becomes possible when communities invest in long-term stability. What began as emergency support evolved into education, employment, and purpose. Today, she has the science skills behind barbering and has provided more than 30 free haircuts to unhoused individuals and seniors.
“I always knew I wanted to transform people’s lives,” Miledi said, smiling. “It’s so beautiful for me to be able to now give back to the community, because I have that guidance, motivation and support.”
“You guys made a huge difference in my life,” Miledi added. “Because of United Way, I’m here and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Giving someone a helping hand – that may be what is keeping someone from never giving up on themselves.”
By bringing together partners, listening to community needs, and investing in solutions that address root causes, Valley of the Sun United Way helps individuals in our community move toward a future by possibility.
