The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation (AZ Blue Foundation) has awarded a $100,000 grant to United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona (UWTSA) to expand housing stability resources for families facing eviction and housing insecurity across Pima County. 

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The funding will support UWTSA’s Siemer Family Stability Program, helping provide emergency rent and utility assistance, case management, financial coaching and other wraparound services to families experiencing temporary financial hardship. The grant is expected to reach approximately 250 households, representing more than 1,000 individuals, while also supporting collaboration among housing stability professionals throughout the region. 

“Housing stability is one of the strongest predictors of overall health and well-being,” said Paul Penzone, VP, Chief Community Relations Officer at AZ Blue. Through this investment, we’re proud to partner with United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona to help families weather unexpected challenges and remain on a path toward long-term stability.” 

More than half of renters in Pima County are considered housing cost burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Unexpected events such as medical bills, reduced work hours, or vehicle repairs can quickly place families at risk of eviction. 

The grant will also support United Way’s Eviction Prevention Case Managers Coalition, a countywide network of housing case managers and navigators who work together to improve referrals, share best practices and strengthen housing outcomes for families. The coalition helps create stronger connections between community resources while supporting the professionals working on the front lines of housing stability efforts. 

The grant reflects AZ Blue Foundation’s ongoing commitment to addressing social factors that influence health and supporting innovative community-based solutions that improve the well-being of Arizonans. 

To learn more about the AZ Blue Foundation, visit: www.azbluefoundation.org.