Last Updated on January 31, 2024 by Lori Pace
Arizona has one the highest levels of poverty in the United States, with one-fifth of Arizonans living below the poverty line. It is easy to imagine the daily struggles of single mothers as they attempt to provide for their children and parents. Arizona, like other states, has many well-established welfare programs that help single mothers in raising, educate, and maintain their homes with their children. These programs include legal assistance, assistance with household housing costs, and payment of service bills.
Mary’s Food Bank Alliance
One in four Arizona children lives in poverty and is at risk of starving at night. Arizona is 47th among 50 states for the number of children not knowing where their next meal will come from. John van Hagel founded St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance in 1967 with the sole purpose of providing food for the hungry. Companies and individuals with excess food and money can “deposit” it. Those in need can “withdraw” it.
St. Mary’s operates three locations in the Valley and one in Flagstaff. Alliance provides a range of assistance including emergency food boxes, high-quality goods at low prices, and distribution of surplus foods. You can also call the special number for single mothers to discuss your needs. They will assist you by calling this number 602-352-3640. St. Mary’s food bank distributes in 9 Arizona counties. St. Mary’s Food Bank assists with 2 programs
Kids Cafe
Arizona’s meal-service program gives children what can often be their last meal of the day. St. Mary’s Bank Food partners with schools, community centers, and health clinics to provide healthy meals every day in after-school programs and during the summer.
Backpack program
This program helps children who are chronically hungry by providing them with a weekly backpack containing non-perishable food. It can provide enough food for three meals per day.
Eviction or Mortgage Foreclosure Assistance
Arizona has a program that can help single mothers when they are at risk of being evicted or foreclosed on. Arizona Department of Housing has launched a pilot program that focuses on preventing evictions. To be eligible for assistance, households must have received a five-day notice from the property manager/landlord stating that they are not paying rent. They also need to have a household income of at least sixty percent (60%) of the Area Median (AMI). To get more information, call the Landlord/Tenant messaging line at 602-262-7210. A counselor will return your call as quickly as possible.
The Society of St. Vincent Paul
This society was established to assist the Arizona population in many ways. They offer everything from health services to food. They can be found in many cities throughout the state, and their mission is to help families improve their lives. There are 15 programs offered by the Society of St. Vincent Paul in central and northern Arizona. We can find them all here:
Dining Rooms
The society has dining rooms that can provide over 1.2 Million meals per year to hungry individuals and families. Arizona has five dining rooms that are part of this society.
Ministry to the Homeless
These places welcome homeless people with clothing, shoes, counseling, and referral services. These ministries help homeless people to get back on their feet and find work.
Homeless Prevention
St. Vincent de Paul helps homeless people by giving direct assistance to their neighbors, avoiding utility shut-offs, and especially evictions. This society provides an average income of $12,000. St. Vincent de Paul serves over 80 Arizona locations. To connect with volunteers, dial 2-1-1.
Virginia G. Piper Medical Clinic
The Virginia G. Piper Medical Clinic aims to provide preventive care in a state where there are 232,000 children without access to health care. The clinic provides care for both children and adults and teaches them how to eat right, exercise, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Its mission is to increase community health and well-being by helping those in greatest need but with the least resources.
Temporary Assistance To Needy Families (TANF)
Single mothers can apply for the Temporary Cash Assistance Program in Arizona, just like in other states. You can contact the Health E-Arizona Plus website for general inquiries. You can also call the following numbers 1-855-432-7587 or 1-855 HEAPlus if you prefer to talk on the phone. If you prefer to visit the office, you can use the DES Office Locator online to locate it.
Arizona Unemployment Insurance
Arizona’s eligibility requirements for unemployment insurance benefits allow workers who are not eligible to receive temporary financial assistance. A new claim can be filed for up to 26 weeks. The state law also requires that you register to work at Arizona Job Connection.
Arizona does not have any physical locations where you can apply for unemployment benefits. Online filing for weekly or initial claims is possible only via the Internet, or by calling 1-877-600-2722.
Arizona Back to Work Program
Arizona will end the $300 per week that people receiving jobless benefits are entitled to because of the pandemic. Instead, jobless people could be eligible for a one-time bonus to get back to work. This would include childcare support and rental assistance.
Arizona offers a $2,000 one-time bonus to qualified individuals who return to work and obtain a full-time position. Those who return part-time will get $1,000. Workers who earn $25 an hour or less, and have worked for at least 10 consecutive weeks with the employer, are eligible to receive bonuses. They will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (AzLEAP)
AzLEAP grants provide need-based scholarships of up to $2,500 per school year for Arizona residents who meet the eligibility criteria. The average award is close to $1,000. Federal Pell Grant applicants must demonstrate substantial financial need to be eligible. The Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines this.
Bottom Line About Help For Single Mothers In Arizona
There is a big variety to choose from when it comes to asking for assistance. The federal government and nonprofits work hard to support the community they are in, the best that they can. To learn more about other help assistance offered for single mothers in the state of Arizona, visit these articles:
