Shoebox Ministry Inc

Shoebox Ministry is a non-profit service organization with an ongoing program for the collection and distribution of personal hygiene kits to the homeless and working poor in the Greater Phoenix Area.

Testimonials

Joseph Maes, Executive Director with Alcoholism & Addiction Assistance Association described the benefits received from Shoebox when he said "With the help of toiletry kits from Shoebox Ministry, we are able to continue our work and keep the doors of our facilities open to those who truly want to make a positive change in their lives".

John Wall, Supportive Housing Director at Arizona Housing Inc. said regarding our program: "Shoebox Ministry addresses a large gap in the availability of the services in the form of personal hygiene kits for the homeless and working poor we serve. While some personal hygiene items may be available from food banks, they do not begin to completely fulfill the need. Shoebox Ministry is the only agency we know of that provides toiletry kits to agencies such as ours that serves the needy in Arizona."

He also added "CASS has limited resources and does not have sufficient funding to provide these most basic necessities to our clients. Without the services of Shoebox Ministry, our clients would do without the grooming items needed to build their self-esteem, improve their chances of returning to the workforce and securing their place in society. Although each kit only lasts recipients about one month, the lasting effects are timeless."

Personal note from a recipient of a Shoebox toiletry kit-

Hello, My name is Mario M. I would like to share with you the feeling I got the first day I had went to Deep Within Rehab. I had been living on the streets for a little over a year. I felt that at the time, I had everything I needed. I basically had a pair of pants, shirt and socks. During that time, I did not take the time to even think about hygiene. Honestly I did not want to take the time to try and even spend the money. This shows you my state of mind during that year.

I then made it to Deep Within Rehab. I spoke to staff and completed paperwork to become a resident. With all that they then handed me a "shoebox". I was unsure what to think and I opened it. It was FULL of various items. I mean FULL! Keep in mind, I came to Deep Within with nothing and right away was given this shoebox with hygiene. Not only to start an inside cleansing of ones self but an outside cleansing as well. This was the start of my new journey.

This is my thanks to Shoebox Ministry for all you have done and continue to do for people like us. I am now able to hand new residents a "shoebox".

Thank you.
Mario M., Deep Within Rehab resident