Going back to school can be a challenging time for youth who are experiencing homelessness! Many YOTO youth struggle with school because they lack resources like food, hygiene products, and school supplies.

But, you can help! By making a gift to our Back to School Challenge, you can make a direct, positive impact on the lives of youth in Pima County!

This year, we are raising funds and collecting basic needs items so that the estimated 1,500 youth YOTO enrolls this year have the chance to start the school year off right! What’s more, we’re thrilled to announce that the Lester & Roberta Smith Foundation has generously committed to matching all financial gifts up to $20,000. This means your donation can go twice as far!

Help YOTO youth graduate from high school by making your gift to the Back to School Challenge today!

YOTO Graduate Luna Aguirre recently shared her story in our Back to School Challenge letter.

P.S.: Don’t forget that your gift to YOTO qualifies for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit! Learn more here!

You can donate via cash, check, or credit card, and you can do so online, in-person at our office, via mail, or over the phone!

1. To donate online, just click this link

2. To donate via mail, send your check payable to Youth On Their Own to 1660 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ, 85712

3. To donate via phone, call YOTO at (520)293-1136.

4. To donate in person, visit us at the YOTO office between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday-Friday, at 1660 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ, 85712

Our Amazon Wish List

Want to contribute non-monetary items to our Back to School Challenge, but can’t go out shopping or drop off at our office? You can have items shipped directly to our door!

Here’s how it works:

  1. Click here for the Back to School list.
  2. Make your product selection(s), and add to cart.
  3. Upon checkout, select Youth On Their Own’s address. You may choose to add a gift receipt if you do not wish to remain anonymous.
  4. Finalize all remaining order details, review for accuracy, then place your order!
  5. The items are now on their way to the YOTO Mini Mall, and you can print your own receipt for tax purposes

Finding YOTO’s Office

The YOTO office is located at 1660 N Alvernon Way, on the southeast corner of Alvernon & Pima. It’s a two-story yellow building beside a colorful mural – you can’t miss it! We are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Feel free to call ahead to confirm – you can reach us at (520) 293-1136.


Here is a flyer
you can print and use to advertise what YOTO needs! Call Brittany Smith, Development Manager, Communications & Events, at (520) 545-0869 for more information.

Have more questions? Feel free to call us! For questions about holding a fundraiser or hosting a drive for YOTO, call Brittany Smith, Senior Development Manager, Communications & Events, at (520) 545-0869.