An unknown person said “We share our love through acts of service.” At the incredible non-profit Cloud Covered Streets every time they provide service to their guests, people who are experiencing homelessness, there is lots of love shared, given, and received. It seems like synergy was in full force on October 14, 2015 when Robert Thorton, who founded Cloud Covered Streets, went out on a street mission to provide help to people experiencing homelessness. Robert and his friend Brie had t-shirts from his business along with hand written letters of hope and encouragement. It was a conversation with Daniel, a man experiencing homelessness, that set everything into motion. I had the joy and honor to talk with Robert about all things Cloud Covered Streets.
“Helping others isn’t a chore; it is one of the greatest gifts there is.” Liya Kebede
Not long after that life changing experience with Daniel, Cloud Covered Streets became an official non-profit in May of 2016. As Robert continued to reach out to people experiencing homelessness it was a priority to him that the people he met and helped knew they were seen, cared for, and loved. He wanted people to believe in themselves. Robert discovered that some of the people who were experiencing homelessness were employed, often living in their cars because they could not afford rent. A 2023 survey conducted by Payroll.org found that 78% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. Every person he met he asked “What is something you can use?.” The most common answer was “a shower.” Robert began to research how other outreach programs with showers worked and could not find any that included laundry services. In addition to the shower, having clean clothes was important. He searched for a trailer that had showers, along with a washer and dryer. Finding nothing Robert decided to build one. His father, a few friends, and the incredible sponsorship of a couple of local businesses helped to build the first mobile shower/laundry trailer in March 2020.
“Shower in our streets with love.” Cloud Covered Streets
Since the first trailer rolled out in 2020 Cloud Covered Streets have been providing services to people experiencing homelessness in Phoenix, Arizona. A second trailer is now operating in Fort Worth, Texas. A goal of Cloud Covered Street is to have a trailer in every city there is a need. Each guest is treated with love, kindness, compassion, and respect. Three times a week Cloud Covered Streets goes out to identified locations with their trailer. Robert shared when they show up it is joyous, a re-connecting with friends. A fierce group of Could Covered Street volunteers come to help and they hire people who are experiencing homelessness to work as well, providing income and a potential job reference. Fifteen minutes is allotted for each person to shower and stackable laundry units are available for use. Hair stylists and barbers volunteer their time for free haircuts. Food, clothes, goodie and hygiene bags are given out along with handwritten messages of hope. For guests requesting additional help Cloud Covered Streets will direct them to those supports. Every year “Operation Santa” provides a new pair of Nike Sneakers to each guest, along with other goodies and treats. Many businesses provide ongoing help and support to Cloud Covered Streets. When a trailer shows up, whether it is in Phoenix or Fort Worth everyone’s excited to see each other. For those with pets Cloud Covered Streets has that covered too with leashes, pet bowls, food, and even booties. Some of the stories and experiences their guests choose to share are horrific. To support the mental health of staff and volunteers every thirteen weeks staff and volunteers do not go out into the community so they can emotionally recharge.
“To get people to feel loved and cared for and to believe in themselves.” Cloud Covered Streets
Since that momentous day on October 14th Robert has created a momentum of help, hope, support, and love for people experiencing homelessness in Phoenix and Fort Worth. Cloud Covered Streets is fueled with positivity and love in everything they do, along with being thoughtful to the needs of their guests. They “love what we get to do, and have the most incredible volunteers to make sure all guests feel cared about.” Building relationships and trust matters. Providing help and support matters. Expressing to the people they serve, people who are experiencing homelessness, that they are loved and to believe in themself matters.
With great joy and honor we shine the Kindness Champion spotlight on the remarkable Cloud Covered Streets. We thank you for being you and bringing your awesomeness to the world.
For more information on this incredible organization here is their information:
Website: https://cloudcoveredstreets.org/
Instagram: @cloudcoveredstreets: https://www.instagram.com/cloudcoveredstreets/
Facebook: @cloudcoveredstreets: https://www.facebook.com/cloudcoveredstreets
X (formerly know as Twitter): @CloudCoveredSts https://x.com/CloudCoveredSts
