Join us Thanksgiving morning at St. Vincent de Paul as we serve our homeless brothers and sisters a true holiday: hot meals, clothing, music, and the simple gift of being seen. Together, we can make a difference.
Thursday, November 26th, 2026 · St. Vincent de Paul ·
1075 West Jackson Street, Phoenix
Volunteer spots fill fastest for this one, so claim yours early.
Dolores Grace runs her age, one mile for every year, to benefit Champions for the Homeless
Nearly two decades ago, doctors told Dolores Grace, Champions volunteer, friend, and Phoenix leader, that walking would be too much for her body, let alone running. This October she answers them twice. First she will spend 24 hours living on the streets of downtown Phoenix, with no money, no supplies, and no shelter bed, to witness what 9,726 of our Maricopa County neighbors face every night. Then, on October 25th, she will run 56 miles in a single day, about 112,000 steps, one mile for every year of her life, with every dollar raised going to the work at St. Vincent de Paul: enchanting music, a thousand flowers, hot food, thousands of socks and shirts and shoes, a hundred haircuts, and Love.
Age Is Just Mileage: The 112,000 Ultra Challenge benefits Champions for the Homeless, a program of the Nick Lowery Foundation. All donations are tax-deductible, with receipts issued by the foundation.
On Sunday, August 9th, volunteers, NFL alumni, and friends filled St. Vincent de Paul once again, serving our homeless brothers and sisters with meals, clothing, haircuts, live music, and the simple gift of being seen. Here's a look at the day.
Two Decades of Love, Service, and Hope
For twenty years, Champions for the Homeless has carried one simple but powerful message: our homeless brothers and sisters are not forgotten. They are seen. They are valued. They are loved.
Every volunteer who shows up, every meal served, every conversation shared sends that message loud and clear: You matter. You are not alone. We are family.
To the staff at St. Vincent de Paul who serve every single day—you are extraordinary. To every volunteer who's given their time over these 20 years—you are the champions. To everyone who's supported this mission—thank you for believing that every person deserves dignity, respect, and love.
"We rise by lifting others." — Nick Lowery
For twenty extraordinary years, Champions for the Homeless has brought together NFL legends, community volunteers, and compassionate hearts to serve our homeless brothers and sisters. This isn't just an anniversary—it's a testament to the power of showing up, year after year, one person at a time.
Join NFL champions Michael Bankston, Darryl Clack, Lionel Manuel Jr., Patrick Hunter, Pat-Rick Cunningham, Sydney Justin, Mark Garalczyk, Lynn James, Bruce Perkins, Larry Fitzgerald, Lincoln Kennedy and many more as they roll up their sleeves to serve!
American Idol star Mckenna Breinholt joins our incredible band led by Ya Cece and J.J. Garcia for an unforgettable celebration of music, hope, and community!
Professional haircutters will provide fresh starts for our friends who've been on the streets from 3 months to 13 years. Plus, expert care from chiropractors Dr. Ben Benulis and acupuncturist Seva Simran Khalsa!
Special gratitude to the volunteers who have walked this journey with us for years. There's something profoundly special about sticking with something for a generation—we believe it can help end generational curses!
To the amazing staff at Saint Vincent de Paul—you are the true champions. You show up 365 days a year, embracing over one million people evicted from their homes in Phoenix alone over the last three years. Your dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment inspire us all.
To every volunteer who has given their time, talent, and treasure over these twenty years—you are changing the world, one person, one day at a time.
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."
— Proverbs 17:17
For nearly two decades, Nick Lowery’s Champions for the Homeless has been a beacon of hope, dignity, and compassion for our most vulnerable neighbors. Since its very first event at St. Vincent de Paul in downtown Phoenix, Champions has grown into a one-of-a-kind community tradition — bringing together athletes, celebrities, musicians, and everyday volunteers to serve meals, share gifts, and most importantly, put a human face on homelessness.
We just celebrated our 73rd event, Champions for the Homeless has touched thousands of lives with food, clothing, shoes, music, flowers, and the simple but powerful gift of love and connection. At every gathering, volunteers and guests come together in an atmosphere of joy, respect, and unity — proving that when people stand side by side, barriers break down and hope shines through.
As homelessness continues to rise in Phoenix — with more than a million residents facing eviction in recent years — Champions for the Homeless remains committed to being a bridge of compassion and action. We invite you to join us, whether by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, in making sure no one feels forgotten.
The heart of Champions for the Homeless is the incredible community of volunteers who give their time, energy, and compassion to make every event possible. From athletes and musicians who share their talents, to families, students, and church groups who serve meals and hand out clothing, each volunteer brings kindness, dignity, and joy to our guests. Together, they create a welcoming atmosphere filled with music, laughter, and love — reminding every person experiencing homelessness that they are not forgotten. Without this army of selfless volunteers, Champions for the Homeless would not be the life-changing movement it has become.
Homelessness is not just a housing crisis — it’s a human crisis. Behind every statistic is a person with a story, a struggle, and a dream for a better tomorrow. In Phoenix alone, more than a million people have faced eviction in recent years, and the need for compassion and community has never been greater. Champions for the Homeless exists to meet this need, bringing dignity, hope, and tangible support to those who are too often overlooked. Here’s why it matters.
At Champions for the Homeless, the mission goes beyond meals and clothing — it’s about restoring dignity. Every handshake, smile, and conversation reminds our guests that they are valued human beings, not just statistics. By putting a face and a story to homelessness, we build compassion and understanding across the community.
The reality is stark: for every one person who leaves homelessness in Phoenix, two more enter it. Through food, clothing, shoes, hygiene items, and gift cards, Champions for the Homeless provides immediate relief to those facing daily hardship. These essentials can mean the difference between surviving another week on the streets or finding the strength to keep going.
Champions events unite volunteers from all walks of life — students, families, business leaders, athletes, and faith communities — in one common purpose: lifting up others. These gatherings transform service into celebration, filling St. Vincent de Paul’s halls with music, laughter, and fellowship. It’s proof that when we come together, real change is possible.
Homelessness can strip away a person’s sense of hope, but Champions events remind every guest that they are not forgotten. A warm meal, a rose, a new pair of shoes, or even a simple word of encouragement can reignite a spark of possibility. By inspiring hope, Champions for the Homeless helps guests take steps toward rebuilding their lives — and reminds us all that hope is contagious.
We are very grateful for your contribution to our Foundation, bringing a Human face to the Homeless, newfound Focus, Confidence and Purpose to the next generation, particularly Native Youth, and a bully-free, healthy learning environment in our schools. If your donation helps one person, you WILL make an impact. Sincere thank you for helping our youth find the heroes and higher purpose in themselves.
Contribute a tax-deductible gift of $50 or more gift, c/o the Nick Lowery Youth Foundation
(a registered Arizona non-profit) and receive a personally autographed Nick Lowery Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame autographed Leroy Neiman Print
Contribute tax-deductible gift of $150, receive a personally autographed NFL Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame football.
Champions for the Homeless is a community outreach program founded by Nick Lowery that brings food, clothing, music, and hope to people experiencing homelessness in Phoenix. Since its first event, it has partnered with St. Vincent de Paul to host over 70 gatherings, each focused on restoring dignity and putting a human face on homelessness.
Champions for the Homeless events are typically held several times a year, often around holidays and other key times when extra support is needed. Each event is hosted at St. Vincent de Paul in downtown Phoenix and welcomes hundreds of guests.
Volunteers come from all walks of life — students, families, church groups, athletes, business leaders, and community members. Children over the age of 10 are welcome if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Volunteers help serve meals, hand out clothing and gifts, and most importantly, share kindness and conversation with guests.
You can sign up to volunteer by visiting our Volunteer page and filling out the registration form. Spots often fill quickly, so we encourage you to sign up early. You’ll receive an email with details on what to bring, what to wear, and how to prepare for the event.
There are several ways to support Champions for the Homeless financially:
Monetary Donations: Your contribution helps us purchase food, clothing, shoes, hygiene items, and supplies for events. Donations Page
Gift Cards: $5 McDonald’s gift cards are especially appreciated, as they allow our guests to enjoy a meal with dignity outside of event hours.
In-Kind Donations: Items like socks, shoes, underwear, leggings, and seasonal clothing are always needed.
100% of donations go directly to serving individuals experiencing homelessness at Champions for the Homeless events. Every dollar and item donated becomes part of the love and support we share with our guests.
Absolutely! Even if you can’t be there in person, your donation or spreading the word about Champions for the Homeless makes a real difference. Sharing our mission with friends, family, or on social media helps raise awareness and brings more people into the movement of compassion.
