United Way of Tucson has awarded
$320,000 to local agencies to-date
with more funds on the way!
United For Southern Arizona
COVID-19 Fund Updates
Your United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona is excited to share weekly updates related to our United for Southern Arizona COVID-19 Fund . This fund is already helping local individuals and families in our community during this critical time of need, demonstrating that your generosity has the power to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Click on the link below to watch a video to learn more about the fund, then read on below for individual stories of impact, volunteer opportunities and other important updates.

Highlights from the past week:

  • Funds Raised: $446,387.25

  • Individuals and Families served: 8,246

  • Partner Agencies:
  • $320,000 of assistance sent to partner agencies

  • 16 partners have provided 551 people, including 251 children, with assistance for groceries, housing and utility bills

  • Average amount of support received by household: $501.58
Community Stories
Thanks to the generous support of our funders and donors like you, United Way of Tucson has been able to help individuals and families in need in conjunction with our partner organizations. A total of 6,850 households received support through food banks and meal programs, approximately 260,171 pounds of food being distributed. Additionally, a total of $5,277.16 worth of diapers have been distributed to children, families, and older adults in need.
Utility Assistance
From Higher Ground: “Helen* is a grandmother who has adopted two of her grandchildren with special needs. She also provides a home for three other grandchildren, though she does not receive monetary support for them. Her disability check represents the full extent of her income, and unfortunately, it does not currently cover her monthly bills. Helen suffers from multiple physical illnesses and recently has been in and out of the hospital. While she has kept up with rent and insurance payments, she has fallen behind with the utilities. Grandmother has felt great stress trying to make payments on bills and is now close to having utilities shut off as they are months behind. Between the bills and caring for her grandchildren, Helen has started to see her own health suffer. These funds will be used to catch Helen up on her gas, water and electric bills and help keep the household afloat.”
Housing Assistance
Right now, individuals and families are rapidly running out of funds for housing. The Southern Arizona community is in urgent need of assistance during this difficult time of quarantine, job loss and health concerns. The COVID-19 Fund has gone directly towards helping supply our partner agencies with housing and rental assistance to be distributed to the individuals and families most in need.

From Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest: “Ruby* recently arrived in the United States with a two year old son and another on the way. She had health issues that prevented her from working during pregnancy. She delivered her new daughter on April 11th. Lutheran Social Services has been providing Ruby and her family with Case Management and Employment Services, assisting the family to be economically self-sufficient. However, due to COVID-19, finding employment is now even more difficult. This support will help the family meet their rent payment for this month until more job opportunities might be available for Ruby.”
Family Assistance
From Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse : “Janet* has left an abusive relationship and is now seeking employment to sustain her financial independence from her husband. Due to several medical conditions, she is at heightened risk of COVID-19. This is limiting her ability to seek employment, but she is working hard to find available options that do not put her at undo risk. Janet requested support with her phone bill in order to stay in touch with her doctor, support systems, and potential employers.”

The Southern Arizona United for COVID-19 Fund is ensuring assistance is provided to those most affected by the crisis. Individuals and families need help now and it is only by coming together as a community that we can ensure that all of Southern Arizona survives and thrives after the pandemic has ended. Through this Fund, Emerge was able to help Janet keep her phone on during this difficult time so she could keep in touch with her network of support and continue to job search.
Volunteer Highlights:
Thank you to all the individuals and companies who have been volunteering and keeping Tucson United during this unprecedented time. United Way of Tucson has deployed 138 volunteers to help community partners to date. We thank everyone for taking action to do something very meaningful for people they have never met. We are so humbled. Go Tucson!

  • YWCA: 10 drivers delivered meals for YWCA families.

  • YWCA: 30 drivers delivered food boxes for YWCA families.

  • Higher Ground: 10 drivers delivered food boxes to Higher Ground Families.
Volunteer Opportunities for You:
We need your help to keep
Southern Arizona United
Your support right now is crucial to alleviate the financial hardship many are facing today. For nearly 100 years, your United Way of Southern Arizona has been fulfilling our mission of mobilizing the community to solve real-time problems. Your gift to this fund will quickly support a child, family, or older person with what is essential right now. Together, we can help each other and our community emerge stronger than ever. With our non-profit partners, United Way will continue to deliver emergency services and resources for individuals and families who need help today.  When we LIVE UNITED, we can achieve more than any single entity can alone. When you GIVE UNITED, you can change lives.