For many people experiencing homelessness or housing instability, access to everyday necessities can make a meaningful difference. A hygiene kit, a meal, or a simple act of kindness can offer comfort, dignity, and a reminder that their community cares. In many cases, that care is delivered through nonprofit organizations whose teams work every day to meet urgent needs, build trust, and help individuals and families move toward greater stability. During the summer months, that work becomes even more urgent as access to basic necessities becomes critical.

This summer, thousands of individuals across the Southwest will receive that support through a collaborative effort that brought together nonprofit organizations and local utility volunteers to help neighbors in need.

More than 70 Southwest Gas employee volunteers and their family members came together with Youth On Their Own (YOTO) in Tucson this June to assemble 1,000 personal care kits for youth experiencing homelessness. Filled with hygiene and summer heat relief essentials, the kits will be distributed by YOTO in Southern Arizona, helping provide critical resources during Arizona’s hottest months.

“When students have reliable access to basic necessities, they are better positioned to focus on school, graduate, and pursue their goals,” said Bethany Neumann, Youth On Their Own Director of Development & Communications. “Partnerships like the one we share with Southwest Gas and the Southwest Gas Foundation help make that possible. We are grateful for their continued support over the years and for the volunteers who are helping ensure local students have access to resources that promote stability, confidence, and long-term success.”

This project was part of a larger effort, supported by a $60,000 contribution from the Southwest Gas Foundation, to create and distribute 6,000 personal care packages across Arizona, California, and Nevada. The effort is rooted in six decades of community partnerships with nonprofit organizations that provide critical services, including food and shelter assistance, education, workforce development, environmental stewardship, and support for youth, veterans, and vulnerable populations. That work reflects a broader belief that serving communities means not only providing safe, reliable, and affordable natural gas service, but also supporting the people and organizations working to make those communities stronger.

As community needs evolve, one constant remains: meaningful change happens through trusted relationships, sustained support, and people willing to give their time and talents in service of others. Southwest Gas employees help carry that spirit forward through volunteerism, charitable giving, and collaboration with local nonprofits working to address some of the Southwest’s most critical needs.

That spirit of service shows up throughout the year through BLUE, “Building Lives Up Everywhere,” Southwest Gas’ employee volunteer program. Through BLUE, employees dedicate their time to causes that matter in the communities where they live and work. In 2025 alone, employees contributed more than 4,500 volunteer hours supporting nonprofit organizations, food distributions, environmental projects, youth-focused programs, and neighborhood improvement projects.

Employees also help sustain that network of support through FUEL for LIFE, the company’s employee giving program. Through voluntary payroll contributions, employees support nonprofit organizations and causes that are personally important to them. Since the program began, employees have contributed more than $27 million across the region, including $2.7 million pledged in 2025 alone, with more than $1.2 million from Arizona employees.

Behind every volunteer hour and charitable contribution is a shared goal to create stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities. As communities continue to face complex challenges, nonprofit organizations remain essential partners in delivering services, expanding opportunities, and improving lives. Supporting that work has been at the heart of the Southwest Gas Foundation’s mission for six decades.

More than a milestone, the anniversary serves as an opportunity to recognize the nonprofit partners, employee volunteers, and community members whose dedication continues to make a lasting difference — and to reaffirm a commitment to the people and organizations working every day to strengthen the communities they call home.

To learn more about Southwest Gas’ commitment to community, visit www.swgas.com/community.