Home of Arizona’s first senior emergency shelter.
Our Mission & Vision
Shelter. Support. Change Lives.
Founded in 1984, Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is the home of Arizona’s first senior emergency shelter program, serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness across the Phoenix metropolitan area. Guided by our values of accessibility, compassion, dignity, equity, and a housing-first approach, we meet people where they are — without judgment — and, through strong community partnerships, help bridge service gaps so every person we serve can take the next step toward stability and hope.
Our Mission
To prevent and end homelessness among individuals and families while advancing compassionate community solutions.
Our Vision
A community where everyone has a home.
Our VALUES
The ABC's of CASS:
Accessibility
Operating low-barrier shelters to ensure services are available to all who need them
Bridging
Partnering with community organizations to create systemic, lasting solutions and navigating gaps in services to achieve the best outcomes for our clients
Compassion
Meeting people where they are with empathy and without judgment
Dignity
Treating every individual with respect and honoring their humanity
Equity
Serving diverse populations including veterans, seniors, families, and youth
First, housing
Prioritizing stable housing as the foundation for recovery and long-term success
Great Workplace
Cultivating a great workplace rooted in trust, respect, and shared purpose - where every team member feels empowered, supported, and inspired to contribute meaningfully to our mission of ending homelessness
Who We Are
Since 1984, Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) has been a cornerstone in the effort to end homelessness in the Valley.

Operating around the clock every day, we provide safe shelter and support to thousands of our neighbors in need. Our low-barrier approach removes obstacles to access, ensuring immediate, year-round entry for those who need it most. At CASS, we meet people where they are and walk alongside them as they take the next steps toward housing and stability.
What We Do
At CASS, we provide:
- Emergency Shelter — safe, low-barrier shelter for adults and families
- Case Management — individualized support to navigate benefits, healthcare, and housing
- Rapid Re-Housing & Prevention — rental assistance
- Specialized Programs — age-aware shelter for seniors, veteran services, and youth support
- Community Services — donation drives, and volunteer engagement
“Through the years, CASS has stretched itself to meet the changing needs of its clients. In the 60s and 70s, the word homeless referred primarily to single men. By the 1980s, changing economic forces meant that homeless were frequently families. And today, the fastest growing populations of homeless are seniors and the working poor.”
— John Rivers, Former CASS Board Member
Our Mission: By the Numbers (FY25)
252,350
Nights of shelter provided
4,585
People Sheltered
167
Nights of Shelter Provided to Veterans
Our Impact
here’s a snapshot of our impact Each Year:
- 4,585 people sheltered annually
- 626 individuals moved into housing
- 167 veterans served last year
Our Leadership
CASS is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors and an experienced leadership team who bring vision, expertise, and compassion to our mission.
Our Partners
CASS collaborates with foundations, corporations, faith groups, and community organizations to amplify impact. We are proud to recognize partners who make this work possible.
Financial Transparency
Transparency and stewardship are central to who we are. In Fiscal Year 2023, 84 cents of every dollar went directly to programs and services.
Get Involved
Homelessness is a crisis we can solve together. Whether you give, volunteer, host a drive, or share our story, your involvement fuels hope and change for thousands of our neighbors.
