By Doyal D'angelo Bolin
Verde Valley Homeless Coalition (VVHC) has emerged as a beacon of hope in Central Arizona's fight against homelessness. With recent support from The Burton Family Foundation, VVHC’s commitment to providing support services, coupled with their approach to transitional housing, has created an impact.
VVHC’s journey began in challenging circumstances. When executive director Rhonda Bishop joined the organization in August 2020, the shelter operated just five days a week, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., providing clothing and meals through community donations.
"We were breaking our backs trying to feed people two meals a day," Bishop recalled. The organization faced early challenges, including leadership changes and financial difficulties, but maintained its commitment to serving the community.
A significant turning point came in 2021 with the hiring of Ellery who is now the Program Manager, which enabled the shelter to expand its services to seven days a week. Initially, the shelter could only operate when temperatures dropped below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, requiring two staff members to conduct building checks every 15 minutes due to the absence of a sprinkler system in the warehouse that they were operating out of. The situation improved dramatically when a former missionary named Phil championed their cause, spearheading a successful fundraising campaign for the installation of sprinkler, which expanded their operational capabilities.
In October 2021, VVHC achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first full-time emergency shelter in the Verde Valley.
The shelter's expansion from limited operating hours to full-time service represents a crucial development in the region's homeless services infrastructure. Currently, the facility can accommodate approximately 30 beds throughout the winter months. This capacity is vital as the region faces growing housing challenges.
According to recent data from the Arizona Department of Housing, the state has seen a 29% increase in homelessness since 2020, with rural communities experiencing particular challenges in providing adequate services. In Yavapai County, where Cottonwood is located, point-in-time counts have shown a steady increase in the homeless population, with a particular surge in first-time homelessness due to economic pressures.
Research indicates that emergency shelters play a crucial role in breaking the cycle of homelessness.
Beyond providing shelter
An important aspect of VVHC's approach is that several staff members have personal experience with homelessness.
"There are six total staff members that were homeless at one time," Bishop said.
This firsthand understanding of the challenges their residents face informs their compassionate approach to service delivery and their ability to connect with them. VVHC's philosophy extends far beyond providing basic shelter. Their approach recognizes that successful transitions from homelessness require rebuilding life skills that many have been lost during their time without stable housing.
Bishop believes the longer people experience homelessness, the more likely they are to develop mental health issues like depression, anxiety and PTSD. A 2020 meta-analysis found the prevalence of PTSD among those experiencing homelessness to be around 27%.
VVHC’s transitional housing program emerged from this understanding. Through a Community Development Block Grant of $1.73 million, VVHC purchased properties to create transitional housing opportunities, addressing a crucial gap in the continuum of care. This has helped residents rebuild essential life skills while providing stable housing, skills that many take for granted but can erode during periods of housing instability.
Residents work on establishing consistent personal care routines, including daily hygiene practices and regular laundry. Financial literacy forms another crucial component of VVHC’s services, as participants learn to budget fixed incomes and plan for monthly expenses—a significant shift for those who previously might have spent entire Social Security checks at once.
VVHC also provides vital support in navigating healthcare and legal systems, and accompanying residents to medical appointments and court proceedings when needed.
Social skills development plays an equally important role in VVHC’s efforts to support individuals experiencing homelessness, as residents learn to rebuild trust, maintain healthy relationships, and contribute to their community's upkeep. This holistic approach proves particularly valuable for individuals who have experienced extended periods of homelessness and may be coping with PTSD from life on the streets. Through patient guidance and structured support, VVHC helps residents reconstruct the foundational skills necessary for maintaining permanent housing and achieving lasting independence.
Personal transformations
A former landscape company owner from Seligman, Mark, found himself homeless after selling everything to move closer to medical care.
"I could not walk 100 yards,” Mark said. “Now, I'm all over the town. I'm everywhere all the time." Through VVHC's support, Mark not only improved his health but also made significant lifestyle changes.
"I don't drink anymore. When I moved here, I turned the page. I don't do drugs, I don't drink beer anymore, and it's because of these people. Simple as that." VVHC’s success stems from their emphasis on building trust and treating residents with dignity. It’s a simple but effective approach.
"The key to really getting people to open up about their needs and their wants is working alongside them," Bishop said. This approach has led to numerous success stories.
In winter 2020, a woman named Stacey arrived at VVHC with her beloved senior dog, Bella. Following a severe mental health crisis and significant trauma, she had found herself without stable housing. Initially, while searching for employment, Stacey would leave her dog in her car, though shelter staff, recognizing her dedication to her pet, occasionally offered to watch it. Through extensive nudging and conversation about the benefits of seeking mental health treatment, she eventually built the courage to pursue counseling.
Stacey’s healing journey led to employment, including a position that provided on-site housing. However, when her dog passed away, the loss triggered a profound spiral. She lost her car, relapsed into substance use, became involved with dangerous individuals, and eventually faced incarceration.
Yet, VVHC maintained faith in Stacey’s capacity for recovery. Through their encouragement and reflection on her dog's memory, she made the courageous decision to enter a 90-day treatment program. Today, she has transformed her life, working part-time while helping to manage the group home where she resides. Stacey occupies the largest bedroom and, perhaps most symbolic of her recovery, maintains her first car payment in years.
VVHC's success is built on strong community partnerships and a collaborative approach to service delivery. The organization works closely with many local entities to provide support.
"Our community partners are so important," Bishop said. "I don't do clothing well, but there are organizations that do so they help us clothe our community."
VVHC has developed an innovative resource-sharing model through Mo Help, an online platform that connects individuals with services across the Quad Cities and the Verde Valley. This system allows residents to access resources for food, clothing, shelter, car repair, and other essential services.
VVHC has established an effective partnership with local organizations to ensure consistent meals for the homeless. "Between Old Town Mission and us, we serve two meals every day, seven days a week," Rhonda said.
As housing costs continue to rise and economic pressures mount, VVHC remains committed to expanding their services and impact. Put into simple terms, Bishop explains her overarching goal in regards to the homeless residents - she wants them to leave and never come back.
To learn more about Verde Valley Homeless Coalition, please visit https://www.verdevalleyhomelesscoalition.com.
Photo courtesy of Verde Valley Homeless Coalition.