Meet Robert Thornton | Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robert Thornton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robert, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I hope someday soon to find a work/life balance. Since Cloud Covered Streets inception in 2016 the overwhelming majority of the work has all fallen upon my shoulders. I have tried to find people to help out, but have not had real success in that aspect. I would love to be able to have a real team behind me, and hope to find the right people soon and be able to actually have time to spend on something other than Cloud Covered Streets.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The aspect of Cloud Covered Streets that I am most proud of is that we hire individuals experiencing homelessness to help run our trailer. We are able to help bring back structure and pride to those we hire. It is truly amazing to see how much pride our employees have in doing a great job. These are people who have tried to get back on their feet, yet society has made it almost impossible for them to get off the streets and thrive. Every single day running the nonprofit is extremely difficult. We have had a very hard time trying to find funding and support from the community. Yet I will never give up. I know what we are doing is important and know how much we mean to those who utilize our services, and those who we employ.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a best friend and they were visiting Phoenix, I would probably take them out of the city. Escape two hours north and go to Strawberry. Get up into the mountains, the cooler weather, and just enjoy the beauty. Living in the city can get a little overwhelming with all the people, traffic and noise. I try and get out and get back to nature as often as I can, which unfortunately is not a lot due to the work required to keep Cloud Covered Streets up and running smoothly.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The biggest support we have received is from an amazing human named Trisha Stuart who works for Mercy Care. Mercy Care is a not for profit health plan organization who does amazing work supporting their community. Trisha connected with our organization a couple of years ago, and wanted to learn about Cloud Covered Streets and how we support those experiencing homelessness. We had some great conversations and Trisha informed us that Mercy Care wanted to provide the support Cloud Covered Streets needed to ensure our trailer was able to provide hot showers, laundry services, new clothing, food, water, and employment to those experiencing homelessness across the valley. Trisha has been amazing in keeping in touch with our organization and helping us in any way she can. We are so fortunate to have someone like Trisha, and Mercy Care, making sure we have the tools needed to Shower the Streets with Love.

Website: www.cloudcoveredstreets.org

Instagram: @cloudcoveredstreets

Facebook: Cloud Covered Streets