RAW Rolling Papers Donates $100,000 to Central Arizona Shelter Services As Program Faces Uncertain Future
The rolling paper company’s donation follows several previous contributions to the organization and comes as the shelter faces financial uncertainty.
PHOENIX, Ariz. (March 13, 2024) – HBI International, established independent and international producers of the RAW® brand of plant-based rolling papers and innovative smoking accessories, is pleased to share that the company has donated $100,000 to Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS), the state’s largest and longest serving emergency shelter program. The latest donation comes after several previous contributions to the shelter over the years.
The recent contribution comes at a critical time for the shelter and the greater Phoenix area. According to the Arizona Republic, Maricopa County has seen a 72% increase in homelessness since 2017. In 2022, CASS served more than 6,500 people and provided more than 230,000 nights of shelter to those in need. However, the shelter recently shared that it faces a $1.5 million shortfall and may have to cut services to people experiencing homelessness. Following the shelter’s announcement, the city of Phoenix approved $1.06 million in funding for the shelter.
Between 2018 and 2022, Arizona saw more than 32,000 arrests for cannabis possession. RAW’s donation will impact people who have been negatively impacted by cannabis laws, as well as vulnerable children, seniors, veterans, families, and others who struggle with homelessness. CASS reports that each $10 donation received helps to provide three nights of shelter for one guest.
“As a long-time Arizona resident, this donation is close to my heart. Everyone deserves a safe place to sleep each night and I hope my contribution will allow the shelter to continue its life-changing services to help take care of my neighbors in need,” said Josh Kesselman, founder and CEO of the company behind RAW.
The Arizona-based rolling paper company has a long history of charitable donations to CASS and other organizations. In 2023, the company donated to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV), Water is Life International, Home Fur Good, and Last Prisoner Project, among others.
Launched in 2005 after years of research and development, RAW Rolling Papers is an iconic brand known for excellence. The company recently released a new line of insanely-thin rolling papers, Ethereal, that provide a “barely there” experience. In addition to rolling papers, RAW also produces a large portfolio of cones, tips, apparel, and other smoking accessories.
CASS is Arizona’s largest and longest serving emergency shelter that operates 24/7, 365 days a year. Founded in 1984, the organization serves the entire Phoenix metropolitan area and helps people transform their lives with safe emergency shelter and assistance toward long-term stability.
About RAW Rolling Papers
Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona and launched in 2005 by Josh Kesselman, RAW is an independent, global brand producing plant-based rolling papers and other smoking accessories. Their unbleached, slow-burning papers are the preferred product for millions of smokers. The company is committed to sustainability and social good and, through its RAW Giving initiative, has provided millions of dollars in direct cash contributions for many charities, including those that work to provide access to clean water and rescue homeless pets. For more information, visit: rawthentic.com.