For Phoenicians experiencing homelessness, Arizona’s hot summer days and nights are not merely an inconvenience. They are dangerous. Thanks to nonprofit organizations like André House, the homeless population of Phoenix has a place to turn for support.
André House offers food, clothing, showers and more to hundreds of people each day.
One of the hallmarks of André House is its free dinner service. It is offered six nights a week. As a longtime André House charity partner, U-Haul frequently provides volunteers to help prepare and serve these dinners.
Ten U-Haul Team Members spent the Thursday evening of Aug. 8 volunteering at André House’s beloved “burrito night,” where they whipped up a delicious meal of tortillas, rice, beans, salsa, pico de gallo and fruit. By the end of the night, they had fed more than 430 people in need of a meal.
Incredible People
U-Haul Community Relations specialist Miranda Luna, who regularly volunteers at André House, enjoys the opportunities she’s had there to meet new volunteers and guests, and hear their stories.
“This recent event was fantastic,” Luna said. “After all the volunteers arrived, we immediately started prepping food for that night’s dinner. I was on watermelon-chopping and tortilla-folding duty. Then, I transitioned to the food-serving line – which is one of my favorite areas to volunteer – and helped clean up the dining room and kitchen once everyone had finished eating. I had so much fun.
“I believe it is vital for us to volunteer wherever and however we can, because it helps provide much-needed assistance to people in our community. The more helping hands there are at André House, for example, the more guests with needs we can serve. And you get to meet so many incredible people from all walks of life. I love that U-Haul encourages Team Members to volunteer. It makes me feel proud to be part of a company that places such a high priority on community service.”
Worthwhile Cause
As a first-time André House volunteer, U-Haul Credit Administration manager Omar McDonald was impressed by the nonprofit’s dedication to improving people’s lives.
“Volunteering at André House was such a rewarding experience, and a one-of-a-kind service opportunity for me,” McDonald said. “I was stationed at the ‘pet patio’ during the volunteer event, where I helped serve dinner to people who needed to stay with their dogs and other pets. I had the privilege of providing food, water and some other essentials to people who were going through extremely difficult circumstances. It touched my heart.
“Before the dinner, the other volunteers and I were given a brief rundown of André House’s history and purpose. After learning about the organization, it felt even more satisfying to contribute to their cause. If you know me, then you know that I truly believe it is our collective obligation to give to those in need. I want to encourage everyone in my department to give volunteering at André House a try.”
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