AZFH (Arizona’s Family to the Homeless Inc) exists to restore dignity, hope, and opportunity to Arizona’s homeless and food-insecure—one act of kindness at a time.
Our Beginning
AZFH didn’t begin with a building or budget. It began with two introverted hearts—moved by compassion and a calling to serve. James “Curtis” and Tammy Paynter saw the suffering in their community and couldn’t look away. With limited resources but limitless faith, they began serving the homeless and food-insecure from their own home.
A Journey of Service
Their journey began in 2014 through a local church food pantry and homeless outreach. James maintained the pantry’s box truck and handled donation pickups, while Tammy managed the volunteer team responsible for data entry and donation reporting. When the pantry closed, they continued serving—eventually founding AZFH in 2021 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Faith in Action
Tammy’s volunteer work at Midwest Food Bank deepened their understanding of food insecurity and inventory management. During the pandemic, they self-funded operations, storing supplies in their home and using personal vehicles for outreach. Their mission: to offer not just food and water, but hope, dignity, and restoration.
Milestones
- 2014: Volunteering at a local church pantry
- 2020: Pandemic outreach from their home
- 2021: AZFH becomes a 501(c)(3)
- 2023–2025: Partnerships, grants, and expansion
A Vision for the Future
AZFH now partners with Walmart’s Spark Good program and Robert Craig Films’ Big 5 Giveback initiative. With support from these partnerships, they hope to secure a warehouse and launch an affordable housing project. Their dream is to build a community that uplifts the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
Moving Forward with Community Support
AZFH has received several community grants from Walmart and continues to grow its outreach. Their heat relief drives have distributed thousands of bottles of water and essential supplies. As a Social Service Transit Provider, AZFH also provides transit tickets to help the unsheltered reach vital services and employment.
Robert Craig Films & the Big 5 Giveback
AZFH is a proud partner of Robert Craig Films through the Big 5 Giveback initiative. This includes:
- No Address movie
- Americans With No Address documentary
- A novel, soundtrack, and church study guide
50% of net profits from these productions support nonprofits like AZFH, helping fund future projects like a warehouse or affordable housing.
Impact and Testimonials
“AZFH gave me more than food—they gave me hope.” — Outreach Recipient
Over 10,000 bottles of water distributed during heat relief drives.
Join Us in Making a Difference
At AZFH, we believe that every person matters, and every act of kindness counts. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, partner, or share our story, your support helps us reach more people and restore more lives. Together, we’re not just feeding people—we’re building a future where everyone has a place to call home.
Connect with Us
Website: https://azfamilytothehomeless.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArizonasFamilytotheHomeless/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arizonasfamilytothehomelessinc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arizona-s-family-to-the-homeless/
YouTube: Arizona’s Family to the Homeless Inc – YouTube