activities · 4
what they do
direct service · 2
- Free Tax Preparation Services Free Tax Preparation with Financial CoachingOperates tax preparation sites in multiple locations (Mesa, Chandler, Phoenix, West Valley, Gila County) to assist individuals and families with tax return preparation, benefit claims, and connections to financial education and asset-building opportunities.
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Administration Weatherization and Energy Efficiency UpgradesDistributes financial assistance to low-income families for new air conditioning units and replaces non-functioning units, as evidenced by the distribution of $225,000 and the replacement of 25 units.
advocacy · 1
- Poverty Reduction Advocacy Policy & Systems AdvocacyAdvocates for fair practices, collaborates on policy issues, and supports community action initiatives aimed at addressing poverty.
capacity building · 1
- Membership Program Membership Subscription ProgramsOffers annual memberships for organizations ($300) and individuals ($30).
strategies · 6
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Advocacy for Systemic Economic Equity advocacy_for_economic_equityThe organization uses advocacy as a primary method to create systemic change, promote equity, and foster a fair economic environment. This includes advocating for the elimination of predatory lending practices and promoting access to wealth-building tools and safe alternative banking products for low-income populations.
- Community Partnerships for Service Access partnership_leveragingThe organization partners with community and faith-based organizations to sustain access to supportive services for individuals and families, leveraging existing networks to ensure continued support.
- Energy Cost Relief for Basic Needs energy_cost_reliefThe organization reduces energy costs for low-income households, which frees up financial resources that can then be allocated to other basic needs.
- Financial Empowerment through Volunteer-Based Tax Assistance volunteer_based_tax_assistance_with_financial_empowerment_integrationThe organization utilizes a network of volunteer-based tax preparation sites to help low-income individuals and families file taxes, access eligible benefits, and connect to financial education and asset-building resources, thereby facilitating free tax filing and financial empowerment.
- Poverty Prevention through Systemic Change poverty_preventionThe organization addresses poverty by building a just, fair, and inclusive foundation to prevent it before it starts, rather than solely addressing its effects. This involves viewing supportive services as an investment in human capital and a preventive measure against poverty.
- Quality Jobs and Wage Equity Advancement quality_jobs_strategyThe organization advances a quality jobs strategy by collaborating with businesses and engaging in policy solutions to support both employees and employers, specifically addressing and eliminating race, gender, and ability wage gaps through education and targeted strategies.
named programs · 10
what they call their work
Arizona Self Help
A free, confidential resource that helps individuals determine eligibility for over 40 public benefit programs.
HEAF Program
Assists families in accessing the Home Energy Assistance Fund (HEAF) to help cover energy costs and prevent utility shutoffs.
Home Energy Assistance Fund (HEAF)
Assists families in accessing energy assistance.
Raise Arizona
An initiative that encourages Arizona employers to voluntarily pay a living wage and promotes them to consumers who support such practices.
SNAP Partnership
Helps eligible families access Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by connecting them with resources and support.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Helps eligible families access food assistance.
VITA / TCE
Partners with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs to help low-income individuals file taxes for free.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Helps low-income persons file their taxes for free.
Wildfire Family Resilience Fund
Provides financial assistance to qualifying households at risk of eviction due to economic hardships, including those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, through partner agencies.
Wildfire Toolkit
Educational resource for employers on strategies to eliminate race, gender, and ability wage gaps in the workplace.
relationships · 34
who they work with
- A New Leaf Partner — Partner organization operating a VITA site in the West Valley.
- A New Leaf/Mesa CAN Partner — Board member organization represented by Eva Felix, Vice President on the Wildfire AZ board.
- AZ RUCO Partner — Board member organization represented by Cynthia Zwick.
- Arizona Community Action Association Network — Member organization of Wildfire AZ, a network focused on ending poverty in Arizona.
- Arizona Public Interest Research Group Partner — Board member organization represented by Diane Brown.
- Arizona Public Service Partner — Platinum sponsor of the 2024 Annual Conference
- Arizona Public Services Partner — Board member organization represented by Lisa Gearhart.
- Avondale Neighborhood and Family Services Partner — Partner organization through which the Avondale Community Action Program operates or refers clients
- City of Glendale Community Action Program Partner — Board member organization represented by Kimberly Hall.
- City of Phoenix Government — Silver sponsor of the 2024 Annual Conference
- City of Phoenix Partner — Partnered to ensure efficient distribution of short-term rental assistance during the pandemic.
- City of Phoenix Human Services Department Partner — Board member organization represented by Jaqueline Edwards.
- Coconino County Community Services Partner — Board member organization represented by Michele Axlund.
- Community Action Human Resources Agency Partner — Board member organization represented by Lucy Rangel and Loretha Rushing.
- Equality Health Partner — Board member organization represented by Genesis Verduzco.
- Gila County Community Services Partner — Board member organization represented by Joshua Beck.
- Maricopa County Human Services Department Partner — Board member organization represented by Tamara Bridwell.
- Morgan Stanley Partner — Silver sponsor of the 2024 Annual Conference
- Northern Arizona Council of Governments Partner — Board member organization represented by Chris Fetzer.
- Phoenix Community Alliance Partner — Partnered to launch the Wildfire Family Resilience Fund.
- Pima County Community Action Agency Partner — Board member organization represented by Manira Cervantes, Secretary on the Wildfire AZ board.
- Raise Arizona Partner — Collaborative initiative to increase the number of employers voluntarily paying a living wage in Arizona.
- SRP Partner — Platinum sponsor of the 2024 Annual Conference
- Salt River Project Partner — Board member organization represented by Jackie Castrellon.
- Snell and Wilmer Partner — Board member organization represented by Michael Patten.
- Southeastern Arizona Community Action Program Partner — Board member organization represented by Yvette Ramirez.
- Southwest Gas Partner — Board member organization represented by Norma Gutierrez, Treasurer on the Wildfire AZ board.
- Tax Counseling for the Elderly Partner — Partner organization providing free tax counseling services to elderly individuals.
- Tucson Electric Power Partner — Board member organization represented by Wendy Erica Werden.
- Tucson Electric Power Partner — Silver sponsor of the 2024 Annual Conference
+ 4 more