While the nation awaits a second round of stimulus payments, jobless Tucsonans are struggling harder than ever. Negotiations may still be held up in the Senate, but we have a number of programs and nonprofits to help out at the local level.
Grant money is still available through programs like The Pima County Eviction Protection Program, which provides rental assistance for both landlords and tenants. The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona is also here to help, with free meals, no questions asked. Browse our list of resources and send me an email at aberlin@tucson.com if there's anything we've missed.
Monetary help and rent/utility relief
• Pima County Rental Assistance Program: Pima County recently launched a grant program for tenants who are behind on their rent due to COVID-19. Both tenants and landlords can apply, and funding depends several factors including the qualification of the tenant and how much money is available. Learn more and apply here.
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• Community Action Partnership provides assistance with paying rent and utilities and can also help with health care needs like prescription medicines, etc. Head to the website or call 520-724-2667.
• Chicanos Por La Causa can help with housing and rental assistance. The organization's website has an exhaustive list of resources on where to find utility assistance, free pet food, resources for immigrants and more. Head to cplc.org or call 520-882-0018.
• Tucson Electric Power: If you are having trouble paying your TEP bill, the utility company has a section on its website with a list of agencies that offer short-term assistance. The website also has a list of pricing plans that might help you save money, like budget billing and a lifeline program that'll save qualifying families $15 each month. Head to tep.com/payment-assistance
• Interfaith Community Services can help with clothing, food and utilities. The organization runs a food bank at 2820 W. Ina Road as well as at the New Spirit Lutheran Church at 8701 East Old Spanish Trail Road. Visit icstucson.org or call 520-297-6049.
For business owners
• Arizona Small Business Rent and Mortgage Relief Grant Program: This program is distributing more than $10 million to assist small businesses that have had to close because of the pandemic. They have given away the majority of their grant money, so apply asap before it closes. Note: This program applies to bars, and not restaurants. Read more about how to apply here.
• Downtown Tucson Partnership grants: DTP has created two separate grant programs for businesses in the downtown area. Apply for the Downtown Rebound Grant Program and/or the Downtown Outdoor Cafe Grant Program here. Update: The program is almost out of money so if you'd like to be considered, apply asap.
• Local First Arizona is also running a series of webinars on marketing and thriving during a global pandemic. Check out the upcoming schedule here.
• Connect Tucson has an exhaustive list of COVID-19 resources on its website connecttucson.com. They are also operating a small-business assistance hotline at 520-837-4100.
Free meals/groceries
• The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona provides food assistance to the hungry. The organization now runs an emergency food distribution event at Kino Stadium every Tuesday and Thursday from 7-10 a.m. Hours will change starting Nov. 2 from 8 to 11 a.m. The website also has a food map of all the different food sites and times across Tucson. Its Facebook page also has more information.
• Caridad Community Kitchen, which is powered by the Community Food Bank, also offers grab-and-go meals from its headquarters at 845 N. Main Ave. They also often have pet food, masks, and other helpful items. This is open to anyone, no ID needed, Monday through Friday from 3-4 p.m.
• Caring Ministries distributes food boxes at multiple locations throughout Tucson. Find the list of locations, dates and times here.
• Iskashitaa Refugee Network provides free produce for asylum seekers, refugees and underserved members of the community. They're in the midst of their fall harvest, and are looking for squash donations across town. Follow their Facebook page to learn more about their organization. Or call 520-440-0100.
