SE Valley Poverty

Most people are surprised to learn about the level of poverty in the Southeast Valley. Poverty here tends to be hidden. The face of poverty in the Southeast Valley often looks like a single mother who works for wages that are too low to cover the cost of living for her and her children. Despite the common (but inaccurate) stereotypes, most people living in poverty work for a living.

Within a one-mile radius of Downtown Chandler, between 25%-40% of families live in poverty. It is an alarmingly high poverty rate. Considering that the federal the poverty level is $24,250 for a family of 4, even living with double the income of the poverty rate is a struggle.

2014 Arizona poverty statistics:

• 25.2% of Arizona children live in poverty.
• 21.2% of all Arizonans live at or below the poverty level.
• 19.2% of working age women live in poverty.*

Children living in poverty are:

• 90% more likely to suffer from poor health
• 30% more likely to be hospitalized
• 64% more likely to face problems in school and throughout life**

Most of us can’t imagine how a family living below the poverty rate can even make ends meets.

In fact, they can’t.

That’s where we come in.

With your donations and volunteer time, AZCEND makes a difference in the lives of families living in poverty in our area. We have the opportunity to invest in our own back yard, to create a more connected, thriving community where we live.

Join us, and experience the fulfillment of making a difference.

*2014 U.S. Census
** zerotothree.org