GVAS helps with emergency monetary assistance

As the current downturn in the economy continues to severely affect people on fixed incomes, Executive Director of Green Valley Assistance Services Chris Kang says, “I want the community to know we are here helping our seniors and families.

“We have seen record numbers of funds that we are distributing monthly to families, seniors and disabled individuals for rent, utilities, food and gas vouchers,” she added, noting a 116 percent increase in funds distributed in July ($11,275) compared to July 2007, and 122 percent increase in August ($15,566) compared to August 2007.

During the past two months, GVAS has helped more Green Valley households — 36 percent more in July and 42 percent more in August — in emergency monetary assistance compared to other areas of its services, she said.

A significant change in the past two months is a switch of more households within Green Valley replacing households in other unincorporated areas and the

Town of Sahuarita who are normally on top of GVAS’ most-served list.

“I truly see those on fixed incomes being affected. The price of food and gas has gone up and it’s unfortunate that Social Security isn’t going up as much as these expenses are,” she said.

Kang also hears of concerns from residents ages 55 and older, but not yet 65, who don’t qualify for Medicare and are having difficulty meeting unexpected medical expenses.

“We are providing many more referrals to programs to put a breadwinner back to work or help a senior earn $200 a month. We have also begun a new program for seniors and disabled individuals called Benefits Check Up; this screening and advocacy program helps seniors and disabled persons find benefits and reduce their out-of-pocket expenses for health insurance, medications or utility costs,” Kang explained.

To date, GVAS has completed more than 70 screenings and is second within Arizona for its outreach and screenings to those in this program.

Between the state of Arizona’s Department of Aging and the Department of Economic Security, plus federal programs, there are about 70 programs that seniors may be eligible to receive help from.

Asked what she would like to tell seniors who may be shy or perhaps too embarrassed to ask for assistance, Kang said, “We are their best ally. We can give choices to make changes.

“We are caring and passionate, and we fiercely protect each person’s confidentiality.”

Kang and her staff may be contacted at 625-5966.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.