Requests surge for help paying bills

In his younger years, Ben Socausky was a postal worker. Now 60, things have changed for the Sun City man who is searching for a job.

For one, he can no longer afford to pay all of his bills.

On Wednesday, he stood in line with dozens of other people in the wind and chilly morning temperatures for a chance to receive assistance with his utility bills through the Community Action Program.

"I just paid $300 toward utilities, and I still owe a couple hundred," Socausky said. "I'm just hoping they'll approve me for assistance, show me some mercy. Or else, I don't know what I will do."

People from Sun City, Sun City West, Peoria, El Mirage and surrounding communities were lined up at the United Church of Sun City at 7 a.m. Wednesday, two hours before CAP was to begin screening them. Those who were approved will be provided with assistance for 12 months. That, Socausky said, would be a blessing.

"I've been living off savings for a while now, but the savings are running dry," Socausky said. "It's extremely important that I get some assistance here."

Eloise Bundy moved to Sun City in 1994. Her husband died of Parkinson's disease nine years ago, and she said she is having trouble making ends meet.

"I don't know if I'm eligible for assistance, but I'm here to find out," Bundy said. "Things have been very difficult for me. I need help, let's just put it that way."

Socausky said he is desperately looking for a job, but so far he has not had any luck.

"In today's market, finding a job is almost impossible. And being 60 years old doesn't make it any easier," Socausky said. "At this point I'm looking for any job I can find. If someone wants me to clean toilets, I'll say ‘give me the brush.' I'll do whatever it takes."

Socausky is keeping his sense of humor despite his difficult situation, but he said it is starting to wear on him.

"This utility assistance will mean a lot if I can get it," Socausky said. "It's a small Band-Aid on a big wound, you know, but at least it's something."

Those still interested in applying for utility assistance can call their local CAP office for more information.

Jeff Dempsey may be reached at 623-876-2531 or jdempsey@yourwestvalley.com.

About Community Action Programs

The Maricopa County Human Services Department contracts with seven governmental agencies and three private non-profit agencies to provide services through thirteen Community Action Programs. However, we do not serve residents of the cities of Phoenix and Mesa as those geographic areas have their own CAAs responsible for providing services to those communities.

The MCHSD CAPs provide various types of assistance to prevent homelessness, such as case management, information and referral, and food programs. Each CAP office is unique within its own service area. All CAP locations provide direct financial assistance for those households that are eligible such as:

Utility payment

Utility deposit

Mortgage payment to prevent eviction or foreclosure

Rent payment to prevent eviction

First month's rent payment for those who are homeless

Rental deposit payment for those who are homeless

In addition, home weatherization and repair or replacements of utility related appliances are also available to eligible households.

Local offices:

Maricopa County Community Action Program

Serving Surprise, Sun City, Sun City West, El Mirage, Youngtown and vicinity.

Phone: 623-875-0697

Peoria Community Action Program

8335 W. Jefferson St.

PO Box 176

Peoria, AZ 85380

Phone: 623-979-3911

Fax: 623-878-8221

Glendale Community Action Program

5949 W. Northern Ave., Suite 205

Glendale, AZ 85301

Phone: 623-930-2854

Fax: 623-930-2141