Ricardo Tenorio making a difference through research as a Public Ally
April 2, 2025 — During his time with the 2023-24 cohort of Public Allies Arizona, Ricardo Tenorio made waves in the fight against homelessness. Placed as a program and expansion specialist and the in-house researcher at Saving Amy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families transition out of homelessness, Ricardo's work went far beyond crunching numbers. Through in-depth qualitative research and heartfelt interviews, he helped to shine a light on the complex realities of homelessness and the transformative impact of Saving Amy's programs.
Founded by Jennifer Kiernan, Saving Amy began with a simple act of kindness – helping a woman named Amy transition out of homelessness. What started as a volunteer effort has now grown into a full-fledged nonprofit with a unique approach to addressing homelessness. "We work with our families for three years," Jennifer explains. "We have a 100% success rate. Not one of our families has fallen back because we provide the community and resources they need to move forward in life."
Ricardo, a graduate student at Arizona State University pursuing a master’s degree in justice studies with a background in political science and social justice, was drawn to Saving Amy during the Public Allies Arizona matching process. The program connects emerging leaders like Ricardo with nonprofit organizations making a difference in their communities.
"I've always wanted to do work that helps my community," Ricardo shares. "When I saw the opportunity to work with Saving Amy and their focus on homeless outreach, I knew it was a perfect fit."
At Saving Amy, Ricardo wore many hats. He managed day-to-day operations, ran programs like Birthday Wishes (which ensures children in the program receive birthday gifts), and assisted with social media. But perhaps his most impactful role was as the organization's researcher.
Through qualitative research methods, primarily in-depth interviews with Saving Amy's client families, Ricardo helped the organization better understand the population they serve and the effectiveness of their programs. This type of research serves multiple purposes: it informs program development, supports grant writing efforts, and helps tell the stories of the families Saving Amy serves.
"The research gives us a better picture of the type of community we're serving," Ricardo explains. "These families all have unique backgrounds and histories that have led them to their current situation. Through these interviews, we get to understand how they ended up in this position and the kind of help they needed and received from Saving Amy."
The impact of this research is multifaceted and ongoing. For Saving Amy, it provided valuable insights that help refine and improve their programs. The data and stories gathered support grant applications, helping the organization secure funding to expand their reach. But perhaps most importantly, Ricardo's work helped to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about homelessness.
"A lot of people stigmatize the homeless," Ricardo notes. "They think these people are just lazy or freeloaders. But that's not the reality at all. These families often don't have support networks, they're dealing with disabilities, domestic violence, job loss – complex situations that aren't easily solved."
Through his interviews, Ricardo uncovered several common themes among the families Saving Amy serves. Resilience was a recurring trait, with many interviewees demonstrating extraordinary strength in the face of overwhelming challenges. Many were single mothers, putting their children's needs before their own even in the direst circumstances.
Another common thread was the deep-seated shame many feel due to their situation. "There's an intense amount of shame and embarrassment," Ricardo explains. "They feel guilty asking for help, which can make it even harder to access the resources they need."
But perhaps the most inspiring theme Ricardo uncovered was the sense of empathy and compassion these experiences foster. "Many of the parents really ingrain in their children the importance of being empathetic and never judging others," he shares. "These kids have such a keen understanding of social dynamics and homelessness at a young age because of what their families have been through."
For Ricardo, this work was deeply impactful on a personal level. "The most rewarding part has been the interviews," he reflects. "I'm very fortunate to have a lot of privilege in my life. Hearing these stories has taught me not to take things for granted and to always help those around you as much as you can."
The research process wasn’t without its challenges. Ricardo notes that building trust with interviewees can be difficult, given the trauma and distrust many have experienced. "A lot of these women have gone through experiences where they were wronged or injustice was experienced," he explains. "They have very little trust for a lot of people."
Creating a safe space for vulnerability and managing his own emotional responses to heart-wrenching stories were ongoing learning experiences for Ricardo. "I'm proud of myself for being able to provide a safe space for them to be vulnerable," he shares. "But it's also been a challenge to keep my composure at times because these stories are very emotional."
For Saving Amy, Ricardo's work was invaluable. Jennifer notes, "It gives us a better idea of what is and isn't working. We use this information in our grant writing, and it helps us tell our families' stories at fundraising events."
The research has also highlighted the unique aspects of Saving Amy's approach. Unlike many programs that focus solely on housing, Saving Amy provides comprehensive support that addresses the root causes of homelessness and helps families build long-term stability.
"We provide everything from silverware and brand new bedding to a fully furnished apartment," Jennifer explains. "But that's just the start. We have a car donation program, financial literacy classes, nutrition education, parenting classes, and trauma therapy."
This holistic approach, informed by Ricardo's research, is what sets Saving Amy apart. By understanding the complex needs of their families, they're able to provide tailored support that leads to lasting change.
Ricardo's work is also helping to shape the future of Saving Amy. As the organization looks to expand its reach, potentially sharing its model with other communities, the insights gained from this research will be crucial. "I truly believe there is an answer to homelessness," Jennifer shares. "It takes time, and it's not as expensive as everybody thinks. What we do gets it done pretty quickly."
For Ricardo, his experiences as a member of Public Allies Arizona solidified his commitment to social justice work. "I'm really proud of the work that I did," he reflects. "There certainly needs to be more work done in the field and more research on this community."
He encourages others to get involved in whatever way they can. "Donating items, donating to these organizations, volunteering your time – it's all very valuable and very much needed," Ricardo emphasizes. "Not only are you helping them, but you're also helping yourself because it teaches you how to be more empathetic as an individual."
As Saving Amy continues to grow and touch more lives, Ricardo's research will play a crucial role in ensuring their programs remain effective and responsive to the needs of the families they serve. His work serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the human stories behind statistics and the transformative power of compassion combined with practical support.
In a world where homelessness often feels like an insurmountable problem, the partnership between Ricardo and Saving Amy offers a beacon of hope. It shows that with dedication, empathy, and a willingness to listen and learn, real change is possible. One family at a time, they're not just providing houses, but building homes and restoring hope.
As Ricardo puts it, "The human tendency is to reach out and help others." Through his work with Saving Amy, he wasn’t just fulfilling that tendency - he amplified it, creating ripples of change that extend far beyond the families they directly serve. In doing so, he's helping to write a new narrative about homelessness – one of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of community support.
Story by Nyasha Mhungu, Storyteller for ASU Lodestar Center
Image: Ricardo Tenorio (center) with fellow Allies during a Community Service Day
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