Across our properties in Arizona, through a partnership with the Arizona Community Action Association, our staff helps residents to enroll in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. We assist in determining eligibility, completing and filing applications, understanding benefits, and connecting residents to the Department of Economic Security for further information. To be eligible for SNAP, residents must have an income at less than 130% of the federal poverty level, which is the case for all Mercy Housing residents.

SNAP helps to offset food insecurity, however by the end of the month, residents often don’t have enough money to buy groceries to sustain them until benefits renew. Mercy Housing Southwest collaborates with food banks to increase resources and fill gaps in food access periodically throughout the month. For example, through a strong partnership with the St. Anne Food Bank in Gilbert, AZ, residents at our Page Commons property receive weekly food boxes packed with fruit, vegetables, and meat. Other residents receive daily meals from the Meals on Wheels Program, and we have an onsite food pantry to supplement additional needs. These resources pieced together – common across many of our properties – help to ensure that our residents do not go hungry, or do not have to choose between healthy nutrition and other essentials in their lives.