Utility assistance grants and discounts available locally

Applications for utility assistance grants, discount programs and DES benefits programs, including food stamps, will be taken Thursday, June 21, according to Mary Lou Rosales, Executive Director of the non-profit Community Action Human Resources Agency (CAHRA).

The special intake will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Maricopa Community Church, 44977 West Hathaway, located just west and across the street from the post office. An appointment must be made to take advantage of these services.

“Staff of CAHRA and community volunteers are working together to bring you this special intake,” Rosales said.

CAHRA staff and volunteers will meet with low-income, elderly and disabled individuals on a fixed monthly income to interview potentially eligible recipients. These services will also be available to other households receiving fixed income.

Rosales pointed out that all of these services are available throughout the year for individuals in crisis situations, and that CAHRA is also offering these services to those who are low-income and usually manage to pay their bills.

The assistance received will help households stretch their income. Rosales said households who may be facing loss of utility services or other financial crises must contact CAHRA for a regular appointment.

Households will also be enrolled in programs that provide monthly utility and telephone discounts. Other services that can be applied for are the Home Alone Safe Alone Program, home weatherization, home repair and replacement of appliances.

Households interested in applying for food stamps, cash benefits and health insurance through the Arizona Department of Economic Security will have the opportunity to apply or recertify for these benefits during the special intake.

“We are pleased to offer these special intake efforts to reach as many elderly and disabled as possible”, Rosales said. “We appreciate Maricopa Community Church and volunteers for helping to bring these services to your community,” she added.

For an appointment, call the CAHRA receptionist at (520) 466-1112. Appointments must be made no later than June 20. When interested individuals call for an appointment, they will be told which documents are needed for the interview.