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Short-Term Crisis Services

the word "rent" written on a small notebook; a hand inserting unlocking a door; a child's hands holding a house shape; a document with the words "employment contract" at the top

Short-Term Crisis Services (STCS) Program provides temporary assistance to low-income families experiencing an emergency need that cannot be met immediately by their own income, and resources to help stabilize an immediate financial crisis. A dependent child must live in the home.

The STCS Program provides emergency assistance with:

  • Preventing homelessness by helping with rent or mortgage payments
  • Emergency shelter
  • Utility payments and utility deposit assistance
  • Special needs related to maintaining or securing employment
  • Rental deposits

A crisis, according to the STCS program, may be defined as one of the following:

  1. A separation from the family that resulted from domestic violence where the applicant is unable to return home
  2. Loss of income
  3. An unforeseen event that makes it difficult to meet one’s expenses
  4. A situation that endangers the health and safety of the family
  5. Applicant must be able to explain and provide proof of emergency need for assistance.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

To qualify for STCS, the applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements:

A resident of Arizona at the time of application
Have a child under the age of 18 that meets US Citizenship or qualified legal resident criteria
Have a total gross household income not exceeding 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For households with one or more seniors (60 or older) or persons with disability, the total gross household income cannot exceed 150%.

How often can someone receive assistance?

The availability of STCS assistance is not guaranteed. STCS eligibility is limited to once in a 12-month period.

Where to Apply

To apply for STCS, contact the local Community Action Agency (CAA) in your area.

For details, refer to the Short-Term Crisis Services Policy.

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