PHOENIX — The founder of a Valley non-profit that works every week to feed and clothe people experiencing homelessness says the most important part of their service is compassion.
That’s according to executive director of “Cloud Covered Streets” Robert Thornton.
The organization provides mobile showers, haircuts, food and more in partnership with local churches like New City Church, and the Philips Law Foundation.
They’ve also operated since 2016.
But Thornton says what really matters is the love they share and efforts to build a community among the local unhoused population.
He says, “Because if you don’t have that, you stand no shot of taking yourself from your current situation to a better life.”
He believes that element is also at times missing from the Valley’s more large-scale, city or county level efforts that provide shelter or other assistance to people on the streets.
“So many of the places that they do go, they’re only allowed to be there until somebody kicks them out,” Thornton added.
Impact of Valley non-profit’s help toward homeless
That approach has helped people like Sylvester Hunter, an unhoused man who benefited from the service of Cloud Covered Streets.
While Hunter may stay in Laveen nowadays, he still takes a bus to attend the non-profit’s Phoenix events and see his friends.
“It’s the companionship, to be around other people. They can share and talk to you and feel for [you],” he says.
Thornton also says they try to hire those they help, with three people currently experiencing homelessness also now earning a paycheck from Cloud Covered Streets.
He explains: “A couple weeks later they’re just walking around and carrying themselves completely differently. Just because they have responsibility and people that count on them, it’s been a long time since some of them have had that in their lives.”
Overall, Thornton say compassion is not optional but an essential part of solving homelessness and getting people into a better spot.
“Due to the amount of respect and kindness we show these people, we don’t have problems,” he says explaining people had told him to hire an off-duty cop for his events, which he declined.
For people who have been on the streets like Sylvester Hunter, the solution that will make the biggest difference is more housing.
“Not just clothing and food but housing,” clarifying he doesn’t mean shelters nor shared spaces but actual, private apartments.
As Cloud Covered Streets continues its work every day, they are looking for support.
You can head to and learn more about donations and volunteer opportunities.
“If you’re living your life in a manner where you’re not trying to make somebody else’s life better, then you’re missing the point,” Thornton adds.
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