If the Covid-19 situation has affected your ability to pay rent or utilities, required you to find affordable access to internet and/or a computer for at-home learning or work, or you have been displaced from your work, below are some resources you are encouraged to explore.
Note: the resources below are not all-inclusive of what may be available and are subject to change without notice to us. If a link no longer works or the program is no longer working to provide rent assistance, you can check Arizona’s resource guide for more options.
- Re: CDC Order to Halt Evictions
- Housing | Rent Assistance
- Utilities Assistance
- Tech Access for Low-Income Individuals and Families
- Help for Displaced Workers
- Additional Resources
- Download List of Resources for Assistance in Pima County
Re: CDC Order to Halt Evictions
The Federal Eviction Moratorium imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (located within the Department of Health and Human Services) has expired. Residents in Tucson and Pima County may try to apply for rent and utility assistance through the Eviction Prevention Program. For information, eligibility requirements, and to apply online, visit the Tucson and Pima County Eviction Prevention Program website linked below. Those without internet access can call (831) 292-4308 to apply (bilingual case managers are available).
Pima County’s Emergency Eviction Legal Services (EELS)
Get Legal Help with Pima County’s Emergency Eviction Legal Services (EELS). Are you facing an eviction? You may be entitled to free legal help. The Office of Emergency Eviction Legal Services, a new program, can help tenants in need of legal advice and representation in eviction cases.
Get more info and apply at https://www.pima.gov/957/Emergency-Eviction-Legal-Services.
Note: as of Nov. 1, 2023, post-judgment rental assistance is no longer available due to exhaustion of Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program funding.
Tucson and Pima County
Eviction Prevention/Emergency Rent and Utility Relief Program
In December of 2020, U.S. Congress passed a stimulus bill that allocates additional rental assistance funding for those who’ve been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. In an effort to provide the most efficient and effective process, the City of Tucson and Pima County are working with the Community Investment Corporation (CIC) to administer $27.1 million. CIC is working directly with local social service agencies to qualify tenants and landlords for this program.
This program allows for both Landlords/Property Managers AND Tenants to begin the application process and requires both parties provide information and documentation. Open communication is highly encouraged between both parties, to expedite the process and recognize that we are all in this together. Those without internet access can call (831) 292-4308 to apply. Bilingual case managers are available.
Get more info and start the process at https://tucsonpimaep.com.
If unable to apply online call 520-447-4423.
Interfaith Community Services – Emergency Financial Assistance
ICS provides financial assistance and short-term case management for individuals or families in emergency situations. The crisis may result from loss of job, illness or injury, or occur during the waiting period for other forms of public assistance. It is open to all Pima County residents.
Website: http://icstucson.org/emergency-financial-assistance-intake-form/
PPEP Human Services Department
This organization helps people on low income who are in need and provides emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities, and referrals for other needed services.
Toll Free (800) 376-3553
Rental Assistance: (520) 741-4397
Utility Assistance: (520) 770-2506
Website: www.ppep.org/
Community Action Agency
Pima County Community Service Department
2798 E. Ajo Way
Tucson, AZ 85713
520-724-2667
The Community Action Agency combats poverty and provides a safety net of basic services for low-income individuals and families in Pima County. CAA connects assistance with case management and other resources to promote self-sufficiency and economic independence. Services include: Emergency Assistance, Food and Nutrition, Medical Prescriptions and Supplies
Rental/Mortgage Assistance, Special Needs, Support Services, Utility Assistance.
CAA COVID-19 Response
The Pima County Community Action Agency has a new hotline to serve those seeking aid from the COVID-19 Rental Eviction Assistance Program that is funded through the Arizona Department of Housing.
Eligibility information and the application is available at https://housing.az.gov/general-public/eviction-prevention-assistance
Individuals are urged to complete the online application, but those without internet access can call the state’s 2-1-1 hotline for assistance.
The new Pima County CAA Hotline is 520-724-2505.
- Press 8 for COVID-19
- Pick a language, press 1 or 2
- Press 5 for Eviction Prevention
Staffers will answer questions regarding the status of an application, provide forms that are required for processing, offer direction and assistance to submit pending information, and direct applicants to other resources.
For more information about rental assistance and eviction protection, including forms and necessary document checklists for tenants, go to: What Tenants Need to Know During COVID-19 (https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=604639)
Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona
This agency works to serve clients with immediate needs of food, diapers, rental assistance, and more.
Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona, Inc.
140 W. Speedway, Suite 230
Tucson, AZ 85705
Phone-Voice/TTY: 520-623-0344
Toll Free: 1-800-234-0344
Fax: 520-770-8514
https://www.ccs-soaz.org
Chicanos por La Causa
Eviction prevention and utility assistance may be available statewide
Offices in Phoenix, AZ and Tucson, AZ
602-253-0838
602-527-8451
602-257-6726
Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC)
Primavera Foundation
RENT ASSISTANCE is a program that can help you stay housed by assisting you with rent at a time of hardship. Call (520) 395-6420 only on the first business day of the month to leave a voicemail message with your name and phone number. You will receive a returned call within 48 hours, to be informed of the availability of limited funds and receive more information. Once the voice mailbox is full, you will not be able to leave a message until the next first business day of the month when you call again.
More info at: https://www.primavera.org/what-we-do/survival/emergency-rent-utility-assistance.html
(520) 395-6420
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Eviction prevention and utility assistance may be available for all areas of the state
320 West Watkins Road
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-261-6883
Dial 211 to be linked to one of 80 St. Vincent de Paul resources throughout Arizona
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Sunnyside Foundation Emergency Relief Fund for Sunnyside School District Students and Families
A partnership between Sunnyside Foundation and SUSD Frontline workers to ensure SUSD students and families hit hardest by health and economic devastation of COVID-19 have easy access to emergency resources from the people they trust most, their educators.
SUPPORT INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO: Utility, Rent, Food, Clothing, Hotel Vouchers/ Emergency overnight stays, Deposits for Housing, Medical Emergencies
Website: www.sunnysidefoundation.org/programs/emergency-relief
Old Pueblo Community Services
May provide short term rental assistance.
4501 E. 5th Street
Tucson, AZ 85711
520-546-0122
Old Pueblo Community Services
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program – LIHEAP
A resource to help with both cooling and heating bills. Benefits from LIHEAP can be used to pay for the current or a past month’s natural gas or electric bill. There may even be grants to pay for late fees, deposits and reconnect fees. To qualify for LIHEAP, the applicant must have an income that falls within the program guidelines. Priority for service assistance is determined at the local Community Action Agency level. Higher priority is granted if someone in your home is a senior citizen (60 years of age & older), a person with disabilities or a young child under six years old.
Call the Tucson Urban League at (520) 791-9522 for information on LIHEAP or other utility expense assistance.
Tucson Water Low Income Assistance Program
The Pima County Community Action Agency (PCCAA) administers Tucson Water’s low income assistance program. It is only available for those customers of Tucson Water only.
Contact PCCAA at (520) 243-6770.
Website: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/water/low-income-assistance-program
Tucson Water offers other programs for low-income customers:
Free water audits for residential customers
Free Smart Home Water Guide
Free toilet replacement, rainwater harvesting grants & loans
Southwest Gas
ASSISTANCE & FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS
If you’re facing unexpected financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SWG can help you through it. Call 877-860-6020 and select option 3 to discuss flexible payment options and assistance programs available.
Tucson Electric Power
If you’re having trouble paying your bill, TEP can help. Here are some programs and plans that can assist customers. Visit the link below for more info:
http://tep.com/payment-assistance
Tohono O’Odham Nation
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP Program)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet.
You are likely eligible if your household’s income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line, or if you or someone you live with currently receives a government benefit like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Pell Grant, or Free and Reduced-Price Lunch. Visit affordableconnectivity.gov for more info.
Additional information and support can be found at Connect Arizona https://connect-arizona.com/
NDIA List of Free and Low Cost Broadband Internet Plans
NDIA List of Free and Low Cost Broadband Internet Plans (https://www.digitalinclusion.org/free-low-cost-internet-plans)
Comcast
COMCAST is providing high speed internet for qualifying low-income applicants. Free for 60 days followed by $9.95 per month.
https://www.internetessentials.com/
Cox
COX is offering $19.99 for new Starter internet customers, with no annual contract or qualifications to help low-income individuals and those impacted from Coronavirus challenges, like seniors and college students.
https://www.cox.com/residential-shop/wls/order-cox-services.cox
COX also has a special offer for K-12 students who are on free and reduced lunch called Connect to Compete (C2C). Free for 60 days followed by $9.95 per month if families sign up before the end of September 2020.
https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete.html
Low Cost Desktops and Laptops
Rise Equipment Recycling Center
1134 S. Park Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85719
(520) 623-7162
http://riseequipmentrecycling.org
Rise Electronics is offering a great deal to folks who receive state assistance. Those that are receiving a form of state assistance are eligible to purchase a computer/laptop at the price(s) below. The person will need proof of state assistance and an ID.
- Desktop ($100) Complete (Flat screen monitor, Tower, Keyboard and mouse), with Windows 10 and Office
- Laptop ($75-$150) with Windows 10 and Office
PimaWorks.gov by Pima County One-Stop Career Center
In March, Pima County launched PimaWorks.com as a one-stop resource in response to the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The county’s One-Stop Career Center also established a dislocated worker hotline, staffed weekdays at 724-5735, to help with things like navigating the
application for Arizona unemployment benefits, identifying job leads, and accessing other county services.
One Stop also offers “Virtual Employability Skills” classes and works with local employers to maintain a listing of available jobs.
Website: http://pimaworks.com
Phone: 520-724-5735
Hospitality Workforce Connection
In April, the Arizona Office of Tourism and the Arizona Commerce Authority Office of Economic Opportunity launched the Hospitality Workforce Connection to help connect Arizona’s displaced hospitality
workforce with industries that are urgently hiring during the
COVID-19 crisis. Learn more at tourism.az.gov/hiring-opportunities
Website: http://tourism.az.gov/hiring-opportunities
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
PUA provides up to 39 weeks of benefits to qualifying individuals who are otherwise able to work and available for work within the meaning of applicable state law, except that they are unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work due to COVID-19 related reasons, as defined in the CARES Act. Benefit payments under PUA are retroactive, for weeks of unemployment, partial employment, or inability to work due to COVID-19 reasons starting on or after January 27, 2020. The CARES Act specifies that PUA benefits cannot be paid for weeks of unemployment ending after December 31, 2020.
Website: https://pua.azdes.gov/
ARIZONA 211 offers information on other resources that may be able you with assistance finding food, paying house bills, accessing free childcare, or other essential services.
- Dial 2-1-1 (or 877-211-8661). Arizona Relay callers, dial
7-1-1 or 800-367-8939 and ask for 877-211-8661. - Visit 211Arizona.org and go the Contact Us Page to
learn more. - Download the 211 Arizona app. (Android | iOS)