We’re deep into the Arizona summer, and yes — we’re all counting down the days until cooler temps return. But did you know August also marks the anniversary of several groundbreaking federal efforts to fight poverty in the U.S.?

While the heat drags on, we’re reminded that cool change can happen — even in the hottest months:

1935 – The Social Security Act was signed.

1964 – The Food Stamp Act (now SNAP) expanded food access for low-income families. Federal legislation is reducing this benefit over time.

1981 – The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) enacted to support local, grassroots efforts — like TCAA — to reduce poverty. Federal budget proposes to eliminate in Fiscal Year 2026.

These historic acts laid the foundation for the work TCAA continues today. 

Thanks to your support, we’re building on that legacy — providing food, shelter, stability, and dignity to neighbors in need right here in our community.

Stay cool — and stay inspired. Together, we’re making history too!

As a single mom of three, Maria does everything she can to keep her family afloat. She works full-time, manages the household, and stretches every dollar — but sometimes, even that isn’t enough.

This summer, when the A/C in her home broke down, everything changed.

“It was unbearable,” she said. The heat inside their home was overwhelming — her kids were sweating through the night. Maria was scared and didn’t know how they were going to make it through. Read more

TCAA is thrilled to announce the launch of the Puente Project, a three-year pilot program designed to support families at Thew Elementary School in Tempe.

Through this initiative, participating families will receive $200 per month for three years—no strings attached. This steady, reliable support can be used however families choose: groceries, rent, school supplies, transportation, or anything else that helps ease daily stress.

We trust families to know what they need most, and we’re removing barriers so they can focus on what truly matters. Continue Reading

Tuesday afternoons are a special time at the Food Pantry. It’s when our long-time partner, Rise & Shine Bread, delivers their delicious homemade loaves of bread.

Rise & Shine Bread brings together home bakers from the community to bake bread for those lacking reliable access to nutritious food in our community.

They always make sure we have plenty of homemade bread in our pantry, and this is such a blessing. 

Thank you, Rise & Shine Bread!

Special shout out to Founder Andrea White, and Volunteer Leaders Linda and Curt Ritland, and Dan and Catherine Abbott who have led the way since 2021!

For over a dozen years, Landings Credit Union and staff have been incredible partners. From volunteering, lending space, serving on our Board of Directors, and giving, they truly know what it's like to support their community.

Most recently, they have committed to support the future of TCAA by giving to our Building Resilience Capital and Program Expansion Campaign.

Their continued generosity will allow us to serve more individuals and families in one convenient location!

Thank you Landings Credit Union!

For the second year in a row, Achieve did a company-wide water drive that brought in record amounts of water.

This year's drive brought in 15,312 bottles bringing the grand total to 39,312 bottles of live saving water!!

A huge thank you also goes to Just-In Time Moving & Storage, who helped us transport the water. We couldn't have done it without them!

Tempe Rising Indivisible is truly community in action.

Upon learning about TCAA, Tempe Rising Indivisible Founder, Nancy Topoozian, quickly arranged a tour for their members the next week. They immediately followed up with preparing and serving dinner at our I-HELP shelter during the following week, and they have already signed up for more meals!

When asked why she got the group involved so quickly, she said,

"I love helping the less fortunate and being a voice for people that don't feel they have a voice."

Tempe Rising is a pro-democracy, pro-constitution, and pro-human rights group and Nancy believes that supporting the work of TCAA fits right into that.

We are grateful for Nancy's leadership and spreading the word about TCAA!

If you are interested in bringing your group, co-workers, or club to get involved please complete the group interest form. 

GIVE | VOLUNTEER | TAKE A TOUR

At Tempe Community Action Agency, we envision a society where every person has what they need to live a healthy, purposeful life.

It is our mission to eliminate poverty and advance equitable communities.

EIN: 86-0254820 | QCO Code: 20304

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