Keith's Success Story

At 63, Keith had built his life around hard work.

As a skilled plumber, he took pride in every repair he made, every paycheck he earned, and every bill he paid on time. He was the kind of man who never asked for help because he never needed to.

Then Everything Changed.

A severe MRSA staph infection didn't just threaten Keith's health; it destroyed his life. Hospital bills devoured his savings. His illness cost him his job. Without income, he lost his home. With no family nearby and no safety net, Keith faced a terrifying reality: at 63, he was homeless.

Surviving Against All Odds

For more than a year, Keith's home was his car—with no air conditioning, in the Arizona heat. Can you imagine? Even in his darkest moments, Keith gave what he could, volunteering at a senior center to help others, while secretly showering there to preserve his dignity. Asking for help didn't come easily.

From Homeless to Hope

Asking for help didn't come easily, but desperation finally brought him to St. Joseph the Worker. He was emotional, overwhelmed, and unsure if he had the strength to start over.Our team saw what Keith couldn't see in himself: potential.Immediately, Keith began working with an Employment Expert, rebuilding his resume, and practicing interviews. We provided him with interview clothing and restored something even more valuable—his confidence.Within weeks, Keith walked into an Aramark job fair and was hired on the spot.When preparation meets opportunity, lives are transformed. Someone may walk into our office broken, but they leave carrying hope.

Building a Foundation For Success

But we know that a job alone isn't enough. Without stable housing, even the best employment opportunity becomes impossible to sustain.Through community partnerships, we connected Keith to a temporary shelter, and he is on track to enter our Workforce Villages housing program, providing him with the stability and opportunity he needs to rebuild his life completely.

Your Support is Life Changing

St. Joseph the Worker's Great Arizona Work Challenge is a chance to help more people like Keith. Currently, there are hundreds of people—hardworking individuals whose lives have been disrupted by illness, job loss, or circumstances beyond their control. They're sleeping in cars, in shelters, on the streets, wondering if they'll ever get back on their feet.Your gift today provides the tools, resources, and support people need to find quality jobs, secure housing, build life skills, and achieve lasting success—with compassion and encouragement every step of the way.

The Ripple Effect of Your Generosity

When you help someone like Keith, you're not just changing a life. You're:

Removing someone from the streets and the strain on emergency services
Creating a taxpaying, contributing member of society
Inspiring someone to help others, just as Keith continues to volunteer
Proving to an entire community that second chances work.

Every Dollar Matters.

The difference between despair and dignity often comes down to one moment—one person willing to extend a helping hand. Keith found his moment. Hundreds of others are still waiting for theirs.