I had the opportunity to speak with representatives from some of the charities receiving M3F’s donations to learn more about their missions.

The first person I spoke to was Megan Loden from the Homeless ID Project.

“We are the only full time replacement identification service provider in the state of Arizona. We provide replacement identification to people who are homeless or at risk of experiencing homelessness,” Loden said.

According to Loden, ID is a huge barrier when it comes to getting a job, into housing, going to school, receiving training, etc.

“So it's kind of a no brainer. You need it.”

Loden said the Homeless ID Project is always looking for donations, volunteers and board members. The organization can be found at homelessidproject.org, on social media @homelessidproject, or through the email info@azhomless.org.

Next, I spoke with Brittany Bunce from Saint Joseph The Worker.

“We help low income and unhoused people or just as impacted individuals find quality employment…Last year we helped 6,984 people with job searching,” Bunce said.

The organization helps people find jobs making over $17 an hour, with benefits and room for growth within the company.

They want to help the impacted individuals become self-sufficient, have their own housing and get off the streets.

Saint Joseph The Worker also has a 90 day transitional housing program.

According to Bunce, “participants can save up to 80% of their income, and then use that to get an apartment in their own name.”

“We try to take down any barriers that people have finding good jobs or housing and then connect that for them.”

The M3F festival has helped Saint Joseph The Worker considerably. Bunce said the festival has made donations to them, as well as sponsored some of their events, and that they are very grateful to M3F.

I next talked to Emma Lande with Cancer Support Community Arizona, an organization focused on breaking down barriers to cancer support. Lande said they offer free cancer support to anybody who is impacted by cancer.

Lande expresses that being at a festival like M3F is an amazing opportunity for them as they are able to kind of engage with the community.

 “As a nonprofit organization, not a lot of people know that these types of support while going through cancer are out there,” Lande said.

The Cancer Support Community Arizona website is cscaz.org, and there you are able to sign up for different support programs, make donations, and get connected for volunteering.

Lastly, I talked to Kendall Day who works for the nonprofit small dog rescue AZK9. Day said they try to make an impact in the community with homeless dogs and dogs that need a second chance. M3F asked them in 2017 to bring one dog every year and showcase it to hopefully find them home. The festival has asked AZK9 back every year, so they have done it every year.

Day said that the booth has been a hit, so they’re hoping that Nixie will get adopted this year.

Not only does M3F give back to charities, but it also provides a space for small businesses to showcase and sell their work.

When there was no escape from the rain on day one of the festival, I was drenched from head to toe. That was until someone from the business Vintage High Life spotted me from across the way and held up a coat they thought could help me out. I immediately purchased it and was so much better off for the rest of the day!

I then met Jordan Erwin, the owner of Vintage High Life. Erwin said she started her business in 2022 with a passion for sewing and embroidery. She said she had always been into going to antique and thrifting stores with her parents, and then she realized that she wanted to do it full time and travel around to see if she could “make it.” You can typically find her selling items at vintage shows and music festivals!  

As I walked through the festival, I saw the chance to spin a wheel for free concert tickets—so of course, I did it.

This is when I met Connor Adams and Sarah Groh who were representing Psyko Steve Presents, a local concert promotion and production company.

When asked how they felt being at M3F, Groh said she was super happy to be there, and it's always exciting seeing fellow music lovers!

I then went to check out Peace, Love & Halos, and was greeted by Alvaro “The Daisy Dude” Ramirez and Katie “Love” Brown.

Ramirez said the halos are all handmade by his wife, Emily Joy, and he has been helping her make and sell them since he met her 13 years ago.

Joy’s best friend, Katie Brown, met the couple on Little Beach in Maui, and instantly connected with them. Since then, they’ve formed a close-knit team and moved to Chandler with their kids.

Talking with the charities and local businesses behind M3F made the festival even more meaningful, and I cannot wait to see what is in store for next year!