Emergency Relief Fund
The Emergency Relief Fund program was launched by the Sunnyside Foundation to help support Sunnyside students and their families hit hardest by the economic devastation of COVID-19.
Through the generous support of individual donors and community partners, this fund continues to be a resource to meet the ongoing needs of families negatively impacted by the pandemic and its aftereffects including job loss, inflation, housing insecurity, and rising rent and food costs.
In 2022, a total 1,548 families were served by the Emergency Relief Fund through cash assistance, utility bill support, emergency food boxes or winter coats and shoes.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please reach out to information@sunnysidefoundation.org or (520) 437-1163.
Programs
Utility and Cash Assistance
Our utility and cash assistance program offers up to $300 each semester to SUSD families to help diminish some of the stresses of monthly utility bills. We also provide gift cards for students who are refugees, immigrants, or experiencing homelessness.
Food Box Distribution
We host monthly food distribution events for families on Tucson’s south side at Desert View High School during the academic year. We typically distribute between 100 to 200 food boxes filled with fresh produce and shelf-stable items from the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
Eviction Rental Assistance Program
The Sunnyside Foundation’s participation in eviction prevention programs concluded in early 2023.
From 2021 through early 2023, the Foundation served as a resource for eviction prevention relief for undocumented, DACA, and refugee families in Tucson. Through partnerships with the City of Tucson, Community Investment Corporation, Pima County Community Action Agency, and the Arizona Department of Economic Security, the Foundation helped a total of 585 families access more than $2.1 million in rental assistance.
For current eviction prevention resources, please visit: https://tucsonpimaep.com.
