1. family and parenting

Understanding Poverty In Our Community
Research Document Supplement: Community Solutions
The SAFF report on poverty discusses the complexities of inter-connected issues that impact
poverty, including unemployment, wages, finances, education, housing, the senior population,
transportation, the Internet and predatory lending. It is clear that getting to the root cause of
poverty is imperative. The Yuma community greatly benefits from a combination of solutions
already in place, as well as opportunities to bring in additional resources.
National Service
AmeriCorps VISTA and Your Community: AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers In
Service To America) taps the skills, talents, and passion of more than 8,000 Americans annually
to support community efforts to overcome poverty. The VISTA members commit full-time for
one year at nonprofit organizations or local government agencies to build the capacity of these
organizations to carry out programs that tackle poverty.
The Core Principles of AmeriCorps VISTA are:
1) Anti-Poverty Focus. Any nonprofit organization, educational institution, or tribal or public
agency with a project explicitly designed to alleviate poverty may sponsor a VISTA.
2) Community Empowerment. AmeriCorps VISTA values the inherent strengths and resources
of the community. VISTA expects project sponsors to involve residents of the community in
planning, developing, and implementing the VISTA project. This approach allows low-income
individuals the freedom to speak for themselves in determining the projects that suit their
specific needs.
3) Capacity Building. AmeriCorps VISTA expands the ability of sponsor organizations to fight
poverty. VISTAs strengthen and support organizations by building infrastructure, expanding
community partnerships, securing long-term resources, coordinating training for participants,
and much more. These capacity-building activities enable organizations to provide better
services to low-income individuals and communities.
4) Sustainable Solutions. VISTAs serve as a short-term resource to help sponsor organizations
achieve lasting solutions to poverty.
In the Yuma area, WACOG, the City of Yuma, the YRMC Foundation, the Yuma Community
Foundation, the Yuma Community Food Bank and the United Way are all current and/or former
VISTA sponsor sites.
For additional program information, please visit: www.nationalservice.gov.
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Asset Building Initiatives
As discussed in the research, the opportunity to build assets is limited when the working poor
are essentially living paycheck-to-paycheck. There are several nation-wide programs offered in
Yuma to help those in poverty.
1) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA offers free tax help to people who
generally make $53,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English
speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified
volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified
individuals. For working families living in poverty with children, they may qualify for the Earned
Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is widely considered one of the most successful antipoverty program to date, lifting 6.2 million people out of poverty each year.
VITA sites include the MLK Center, WACOG, YPIC, the San Luis Library and the Somerton
School District.
2) Individual Development Account (IDA) program. Low-income families often don’t have
access to traditional asset-saving vehicles such as 401(k)’s, 529’s, or even moderate-return-rate
products such as CD’s or money market accounts. Most of these products require a relatively
high minimum initial investment, or they charge fees, or they require a regular contribution that
is not affordable to low income families. IDA programs offer participants the opportunity to save
money and receive a dollar-for-dollar match. In order to participate, savers must be low-tomoderate income and they must be employed (part-time or full-time). The savings and
matching funds can be used to start a business, purchase a first home, or attend college. In
addition to providing grant funding, the program gives participants the opportunity to receive
training and counseling on how to better manage finances and prepare for the future.
In Yuma, IDA programs are offered by Housing America Corp and the Housing Authority of the
City of Yuma.
3) Bank On. Bank On programs negotiate with banks and credit unions in local communities to
reduce barriers to banking and increase access to the financial mainstream. Without the most
basic financial tool – a checking account – families are hard-pressed to build savings and assets
and to respond to emergencies. Bank On is a voluntary initiative that reduces barriers to
banking by connecting qualified unbanked consumers with basic financial services and creating
innovative financial products geared toward unbanked markets. Bank On also increases access
to the financial mainstream by helping financial institutions access the unbanked market.
Bank On is a public-private partnership between local governments, financial institutions, and
community and faith based institutions. WACOG and the United Way are working with the
Arizona Community Action Association to bring this program to the area and to expand the
program’s financial partners.
Advocacy
The importance of advocates to work on behalf of those in poverty is not only felt directly by
those who benefit from this work, but it is felt by the entire community. Advocates for the poor in
Arizona that have members from the Yuma area include:
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1) Arizona Community Action Association (ACAA) (http://azcaa.org): The ACAA unites
communities to end poverty through community-based initiatives and solutions. ACAA is a 501
(c)(3) non-profit agency created in 1967 to address poverty across Arizona. Through a
collaboration of nearly 300 organizations and individuals, ACAA develops and implements
strategies to address and ultimately eliminate poverty. ACAA also helps to coordinate the
Community Action Program (CAP), which was launched in 1964 as part of President Lyndon B.
Johnson’s Economic Opportunity Act to fight poverty by empowering the poor.
In Yuma, the local CAP agency is WACOG (http://www.wacog.com) and WACOG is a member
of the ACAA.
2) Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits (http://www.arizonanonprofits.org/): The Alliance of Arizona
Nonprofits is a unifying association formed to advance the common interests of more than
20,000 nonprofits in Arizona. The Alliance is an action-oriented group of partners across the
state – both nonprofits and those in the community who support them – dedicated to furthering
the common interests of Arizona’s nonprofits. The Alliance does this by serving, supporting,
protecting, and promoting the nonprofit sector.
3) Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness (AZCEH) (http://azceh.org/): The AZCEH provides
leadership in statewide efforts to end homelessness through advocacy, education and
coordination with local communities and initiatives. AZCEH activities include its annual
statewide conference; coordination of focused service initiatives such as Arizona StandDown or
homeless veterans and Project H3: Home, Health, Hope for long term vulnerable homeless
individuals and families; and providing education opportunities for service providers, policy
makers and advocates working on behalf of men, women and children experiencing
homelessness.
4) Arizona Housing Alliance (http://azhousingalliance.org/): The Arizona Housing Alliance works
to expand sustainable housing opportunities for low and moderate income people through
education, an Advocacy Network, and Member Meetings. The organization includes over 170
members from diverse backgrounds across the state. Arizona Housing Alliance offers trainings
on timely affordable housing issues. Through its Advocacy Network, it informs members about
important policy and regulatory changes and provides a unified voice to influence decision
makers working to solve Arizona’s housing problems. Arizona Housing Alliance also provides
networking opportunities through its Member Meetings. These meetings are held across the
state to allow members to network and share best practices in their region, and are often the
only opportunity in rural areas for practitioners to share best practices.
Education and Workforce Development
1) Yuma Private Industry Council (YPIC) (http://www.ypic.com/index.html) (3826 W. 16th
St.,329-0990): The Career Resource Center offers computer stations that are connected to a
wide variety of job listings with local businesses and agencies. The Center also has internet
access to state- and nation-wide job search engines. They provide software programs to help
create resumes, brush up on applications, interviews, or discover a career in which you might
excel. Various job training programs and General Education Development (GED) classes are
offered through partner agencies.
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The Educational Opportunity Center at YPIC is a public high school serving students between
the ages of 16 to 21. The school offers educational opportunity for students who want to earn a
high school diploma in a setting that emphasizes school-to work. YPIC also offers a youthfocused career center at the MLK Neighborhood Center.
2) Adult Literacy Plus of Southwest Arizona (825 S. Orange Avenue, 343-9363): ALPS mentors
adults ages 16 and older, who have the desire to increase their basic literacy skills, earn a GED
diploma, learn English, and improve job skills.
3) Goodwill of Central Arizona (1600 S. 4th Ave, 783-4190)(http://www.goodwillaz.org): Goodwill
provides services to people with vocational disadvantages such as welfare dependency,
illiteracy, homelessness and language barriers. Goodwill also serves people with physical and
emotional disabilities, behavioral disorders and other employment barriers. Community based
vocational, educational, and training programs are also available. The services include:
Customer Service/Computer skills training, School to Work Transition Services, Welfare to Work
Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Specialized Youth Services, Comprehensive
Youth Education, Employment Services, and Workforce Transportation Services.
4) Regional Center for Border Health, Inc. (214 W Main St. Somerton, 627-9222)
(www.rcfbh.org): The Regional Center for Border Health, Inc. is a licensed Job Training Center
by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education and Arizona Board of Nursing.
The following are the training programs offered: Introduction to Food Services Management,
Medical Assistant Training Program, Medical Coding and Billing certification Training (beginner
and 1 yr min exp), Nursing Assistant Training Program, Caregiver Training, National ServSafe
Certification, CPR/First Aid.
5) Crossroads Mission (944 S. Arizona Ave, 783-9362) (www.crossroadsmission.org): Offers
basic education and preparation for General Education Development (GED) test; classes are
during the daytime and are free of charge. Computers are available for practice with typing and
basic computer skills, assistance with resumes is available. Homeless assistance and renewed
life program along with drug and alcohol life skills program are offered.
6) Portable Practical Educational Preparation (PPEP) (Cesar Chavez Learning Center (Charter
High School), 1233 N. Main St. San Luis, 627-8550) (Jose Yepez Learning Center (Charter
High School), 201 N. Bingham Ave Suite 17, Somerton, 627-9648) (www.ppep.org): PPEP is a
public high school serving students between the ages of 16 and 21. PPEP provides bi-lingual
GED preparation and job search assistance for individuals 18 years and above. They also
provide work experience and on-the-job training. Other trainings offered include CDL (A & B),
medical assistance, medical billing and coding, Certified Nurse Assistance, phlebotomy,
coaching interview, college admittance assistance, loans and business management training,
one-on-one training, and counseling. Students must meet eligibility requirements and have
worked in agricultural field within the last 2 years.
7) San Luis Literacy Program (San Luis Library, 1075 N. 6th Ave San Luis, 627-8344): This is
an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids & services are available upon request to
individuals with disabilities. The program also offers free English classes at various levels that
are instructed through class, computers, tapes, and audio program, as well as GED preparation.
8) Yuma School District #1-Adult Basic Education ABE DAY PROGRAM (502-4356 or 5024358) (http://www.yuma.org): The school district offers English as a Second Language (ESL).
No fees are charged and classes are offered at different schools within the district.
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Veteran’s Services
Veteran’s account for nearly 11% of Yuma’s population. Just under 5% of Veteran’s live below
the poverty level. The community offers a growing number of services for Veteran’s living in
poverty.
1) US Department of Veteran’s Affairs/Yuma Vet Center (1450 E. 16th St, Suite 103, 271-8700)
(http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=5983)
2) AZ Department of Veteran’s Services (2811 South 4th Avenue, Suite D, 726-2851)
(https://dvs.az.gov/)
3) AWC Veteran’s Services Office (AWC 3C Building Top Floor, 344-7622)
(https://www.azwestern.edu/student_services/enrollment_services/admissions_and_registration/
veteran_services)
4) American Legion (2575 Virginia Drive, 344-3441) (http://www.legion.org)
5) Southern AZ VA Health Care System, Yuma Community Based Outpatient Clinic (3111 S.
4th Avenue, 317-9973) (http://www.tucson.va.gov/locations/Yuma.asp)
6) AZ Department of Economic Security Veteran’s Employment Services (1185 S. Redondo
Center Drive, 247-8754) (https://www.azdes.gov/veterans/)
7) Disabled American Veterans (954 S. 13th Ave., 783-6661) (http://www.dav.org/)
Community Social Service Agencies
There are a number of programs available to low- and moderate-income individuals and families
in Yuma to provide emergency assistance. Many of these services are a “hand-up”, to not just
provide for the current need, but to provide a long-term permanent solution to poverty.
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Achieve Human Services (http://www.achievehs.org/ ): A Community Rehabilitation
Program serving individuals seeking employment training and career opportunities.
Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) ( https://www.azdes.gov/ ): Works to
help every child, adult, and family to be safe and economically secure.
Campesinos Sin Fronteras (http://campesinossinfronteras.org/) : Dedicated to educating
members of the low-income, migrant, and agriculture community in Yuma County to
prevent chronic disease, injury, and illness associated with farm work.
Catholic Community Services/Safe House (http://www.ccs-soaz.org/agenciesministries/detail/catholic-community-services-in-western-az ): Provides a domestic
violence shelter, adult day health care, counseling, and senior nutrition through
congregate and home-delivered meals.
Cenpatico (http://www.cenpatico.com/) : Cenpatico is the Arizona Department of Health
Services’ Regional Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA).
Chicanos por la Causa (http://cplc.org/) : A statewide Community Development
Corporation focused on education, housing, economic development and Social Services
(behavioral health, domestic violence, elderly, immigration, HIV, health and legal
information & referral).
City of Yuma, Neighborhood Services (http://www.yumaaz.gov/1946.htm) : Develops
solutions for neighborhood and community issues in the City of Yuma. Neighborhood
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Services administers a housing rehabilitation program, a rental inspection program and
conducts Code Enforcement in low and moderate income neighborhoods.
Comite de Bienestar (http://www.comiteaz.com/ ): Enhances the economic and social
well-being of the community through housing, lending, and social services. Empowers
low-income families in the community by helping them overcome barriers including low
wages, little access to conventional financing and limited political representation.
Community Legal Services (http://clsaz.org/): Provides legal assistance, advice and
representation.
Crossroads Mission (http://crossroadsmission.org/): A faith-based organization
dedicated to helping individuals through programs such as: Emergency shelter; Meals;
Drug and alcohol stabilization, treatment and recovery; Case Management programs;
GED preparation; Adult education; A thrift store with free clothes for the homeless and low
cost or no cost items and furniture for the needy.
Habitat for Humanity (http://yumahabitat.org/): Develops communities by building and
renovating housing for people in need.
HACY (http://hacy.org/): Provides Section 8 and Public housing. HACY manages elderly
housing at Casa Sierra Vista and Low Income Housing Tax Credit Townhouses for
families in Carver Park. HACY administers a Family Self Sufficiency Program which
assists families to become homeowners through education and down-payment assistance.
Housing America (http://www.housingamericacorp.com/): Empowers individuals and
families through affordable rental housing, homeownership education, down payment
assistance, Self-help program and foreclosure prevention.
Regional Center for Border Health (http://www.rcfbh.org/): Provides access to health
care and training programs for residents along the border.
Salvation Army (http://www.salvationarmyofyuma.org/): Assists families in need by
providing food, family services, disaster relief and help with addiction.
Services Maximizing Independent Living (SMILE) (http://smile-az.org/): Empowers
individuals with disabilities to maximize independence by providing: Advocacy, Home
Modification, Adaptive Equipment, Assistive Technology, Information and Referral, Life
Skills, Social Security Community Work Incentives Coordinator and Peer Support Groups.
St. Vincent de Paul (782-3679): Works to end poverty by directly assisting those in need
with vouchers, a food pantry and cash assistance.
WACOG (http://www.wacog.com/): WACOG’s mission is to develop human, natural,
social and economic resources to their fullest potential. WACOG offers services through
its Head Start Program (early childhood education, support for parents), Area Agency on
Aging (senior nutrition, health and wellness programs), and Human Services (utility and
rent assistance, foreclosure prevention, weatherization).
Yuma Community Food Bank (http://www.yumafoodbank.org/): The Yuma Community
Food Bank's Mission is to relieve hunger, increase self-reliance and improve the quality of
life for children and families throughout Southwestern Arizona.
Yuma County Housing Department (http://www.co.yuma.az.us/departments-andservices/housing): Assists low-income families with safe, decent and affordable housing
opportunities as they strive to achieve self-sufficiency and improve the quality of their lives.
This is not an all-inclusive list but it provides an overview of local resources.
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On-Line Resources
There are several agencies that don’t provide direct services to those in poverty, but they are
essential to addressing the issue. They provide access to information and community partners
and can serve as a “one-stop” for those looking for services.
1) United Way of Yuma (http://www.liveunitedyuma.org/)
2) Social Serve (http://www.socialserve.com/index.html)
3) Arizona Community Foundation of Yuma
(http://www.azfoundation.org/GiveWhereYouLive/Yuma.aspx)
4) Arizona 211 (http://211arizona.org/)
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