Champions for the Homeless is more than an outreach program — it’s a movement of love, dignity, and compassion that brings hope to those experiencing homelessness in Phoenix. Since its very first event at St. Vincent de Paul, Champions has grown into a community tradition where athletes, musicians, families, and volunteers unite to serve meals, provide clothing and essentials, and most importantly, share kindness and human connection. With over 73 events and counting, Champions for the Homeless has touched thousands of lives, reminding every guest that they are seen, valued, and never alone.
Champions for the Homeless is a core program of the Nick Lowery Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by former NFL placekicker Nick Lowery. With an extraordinary 18-year career — primarily with the Kansas City Chiefs — Nick earned his place in football history as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer and a seven-time All-Pro selection. Yet beyond his achievements on the field, Nick has dedicated his life to serving others, especially the homeless, disadvantaged youth, and Native American communities.
Nick’s vision for Champions for the Homeless is simple but powerful: to put a human face on homelessness. What began as a small act of service has become one of the most unique programs in the nation, creating events filled with music, roses, laughter, food, and fellowship. Each gathering is proof that compassion can break down barriers and transform lives.
The work of Champions for the Homeless is part of a larger legacy of service through the Nick Lowery Foundation. Since 1996, the Foundation has empowered youth across the country through programs like Native Vision, Youthfriends, and NEXT Leadership, while also advancing national service as a co-founder of AmeriCorps and the Points of Light Foundation. Nick’s humanitarian work has been honored with the NFL Players Association’s Byron Whizzer White Award, the U.S. Jaycee’s Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award, and repeated nominations for NFL Man of the Year.
Through Champions for the Homeless, the Foundation continues this legacy by shining a light on the pressing issue of homelessness in Phoenix, where the need grows greater every year. Each event is made possible through the generosity of volunteers and donors who believe, as Nick does, that everyone deserves dignity and hope
Your support makes Champions for the Homeless possible. Donations can be made securely online or by mailing checks payable to the Nick Lowery Foundation. Every dollar goes directly to providing meals, clothing, shoes, hygiene items, music, and the simple but powerful gift of love to our homeless neighbors.
Together, we can all be champions.
