What We Are Building
Offering real support to people navigating difficult circumstances
A Holistic Model for Stability and Self-Sufficiency
With a 501(c)(3) status secured we are working on programs and services to tackle rising problems in our community.
The Problem
The West Valley’s and especially Buckeye’s rapid growth has not been accompanied by a corresponding increase in social services. While the city’s median income is high, a significant and often invisible population experiences homelessness and poverty. Existing resources and shelters are located in distant cities like Phoenix, creating a major barrier to access for West Valley residents.
Our Solution
We will create a local, accessible, and comprehensive hub for support. Our community restaurant will serve as the physical foundation for our programs, providing a safe and dignified space for our clients. We will combine immediate relief (hot meals) with long-term skill-building and resource navigation, treating the whole person rather than just their immediate needs.
How Ruthie’s Cliff Will Serve our Community
Bringing Support to West Valley families
We’re building intentionally — programs first, a community restaurant second. Here’s exactly what that looks like.
Phase 1: Programs & Services
Finding a location, sourcing items and closing partnerships is at the heart of this stage building Ruthie’s Cliff.
Food Distribution
Collecting food as well as essential items from partners and our own resources and organizing events
Support Services
Recruit part-time case managers and counselors who will provide people with resources, guidance and support.
Ressource Connections
Establishing partnerships with local agencies, developing resource networks and referral systems, and training staff and volunteers
Does your organization want to be part of Phase 1?
Our Goals for Ruthie’s Cliff’s Initial Year
Our planned core services are designed to address the interconnected challenges our clients face.
Cooking Class Participants
Phase 2: Community Restaurant
Top priority of this stage is securing a permanent property to build a commercial kitchen, a dining area, and office space for resource navigation and childcare support.
See What Will Happen Inside
Cooking Classes
The restaurant will serve as a teaching kitchen, offering hands-on cooking classes. These classes will teach basic meal preparation, food safety, and nutrition.
Free Nutritious Meals
We will operate a commercial kitchen and restaurant that provides free hot, nutritious meals 2-3 times per week. This service will be the primary entry point for our clients.
Childcare Support
We will provide access to childcare resources for parents participating in our programs, removing a critical barrier to their participation.
Community Connections
We will have a dedicated case manager or social worker on-site to assist clients with connecting to external resources for substance abuse treatment, housing, and employment.
Help Making the Community Restaurant a Reality!
Looking Ahead
Our Path Forward
Every milestone brings us closer to expanding our impact, strengthening community connections, and turning our vision into reality.
2016-ongoing
Annual Christmas Event
Phase 1: Winter 2026
Launching Programs & Services · Acquiring a fixed home
Phase 2: 2028
Open to all · Free meals · Skills · Resources
We are Showing Up!
Our Annual Christmas Relief
Every year we collect and distribute food and pre-packed essential items—such as clothing and personal care products—on Christmas Morning to individuals in the West Valley who are experiencing homelessness.
