FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2025
CONTACT:
Melany Stroupe, Public Affairs Manager
602-300-1307;Â Melany.Stroupe@cox.com
Gift expands shelter capacity and services to address family homelessness in Maricopa County
PHOENIX — UMOM New Day Centers has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation to support a transformative redesign and renovation of its emergency shelter campus. As the largest provider of family emergency shelter in Arizona, UMOM is leading a bold initiative to increase capacity, reduce wait times, and provide dignified, healing spaces for families experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County.
With more than 350 families in Phoenix experiencing homelessness and waiting up to nine weeks for shelter, this investment will help UMOM expand its impact and ensure that no child is left without a place to call home.
“We are proud to support this amazing project that will provide critical shelter and services across metro Phoenix. The $250,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation builds on our long-standing partnership with UMOM and reflects our mutual commitment to creating lasting solutions for homelessness. At Cox, we believe in building stronger communities, and we are honored to stand alongside UMOM to ensure every family has a safe place to call home.”  — Susan Anable, Market Vice President, Cox Communications
The project aims to increase shelter capacity by 25% through the renovation of 150 existing rooms, adding more beds and reducing wait times. It will also create large shelter rooms to accommodate multigenerational and larger families, allowing them to stay together during their journey out of homelessness. The renovation will elevate dignity and respect through trauma-informed design, fostering emotional recovery and resilience. Additionally, the project will expand wraparound supportive services, including case management and workforce development, to empower families toward long-term stability.
“We are incredibly grateful to the James M. Cox Foundation for their partnership and investment in UMOM. The renovation of these facilities allows us to continue to provide critical support to families. Shelter units like these offer immediate relief to families experiencing a housing crisis and help them begin the path to long-term stability, ensuring they have the resources to rebuild their lives.” — Jackson Fonder, CEO, UMOM New Day Centers
Cox has been an enduring supporter of UMOM for over 20 years, contributing more than $400,000 through sponsorships, Cox Charities grants, Cox Technology Centers, Cox Conserves community garden support, and volunteer engagement.
Shelter room before photo courtesy of UMOM
Sheleter room post renovation. Photo courtesy of UMOM.
About the James M. Cox Foundation
The James M. Cox Foundation is named in honor of Cox Enterprises’ founder and provides funding for capital campaigns and special projects in communities where the company operates. James M. Cox was Ohio’s first three-term governor and the 1920 Democratic nominee for President of the United States. The Foundation concentrates its community support in several areas, including biodiversity, conservation and environment; early childhood education; health; and empowering families and individuals for success.
About UMOM New Day Centers
Founded in 1964, UMOM New Day Centers is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and serves the community of Maricopa County. UMOM’s unique approach is empathetic, connection-focused and individualized to every person. Every night, the organization provides safe shelter and supportive services for nearly 800 individuals experiencing homelessness – 155 families and 130 single women. We believe every person deserves the dignity of a safe, stable place to call home. Rooted in trust and proactive support, UMOM offers over 900 units of affordable housing across the Valley – all in service of our mission to restore hope, rebuild lives and end homelessness.