For more than 100 years, Valley of the Sun United Way has worked alongside community partners to help families build lasting stability.
One of those efforts is the Mighty Families initiative, which supports families with school-age children experiencing housing or financial instability. Delivered in partnership with Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC), and supported by organizations like the Siemer Institute, Mighty Families provides coordinated services, including housing stabilization, case management, and financial capability resources.
“Through Mighty Families, we identify families early and connect them to coordinated supports,” said Bertha Tapia, Community Development & Engagement Director for Valley of the Sun United Way. “Our role as the backbone organization allows us to align trusted partners and deliver solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term stability.”
For one mother of three, that support arrived at a critical moment.
After receiving an eviction notice, her situation escalated when a family member who had been contributing to rent unexpectedly moved out. Suddenly responsible for the full payment, she fell behind despite her efforts to stay current.
Through Mighty Families, a Community Resource Navigator stepped in to guide her through each stage of the assistance process – helping stabilize her housing, navigate available resources, and create a path forward.
She remained actively engaged throughout, working closely with both the program and her landlord to meet requirements and secure support. At the same time, she took meaningful steps to strengthen her financial future, securing a second part-time job to build a more sustainable income.
With her determination and the coordinated support of Mighty Families, she was approved for rental assistance – preventing eviction.
The impact was immediate and lasting. She remained in her home, and her children continued attending the same schools without disruption, preserving the stability essential to their academic success and emotional well-being.
Stories like this reflect why Mighty Families exists.
Across Maricopa County, rising housing costs and unexpected financial challenges continue to place working families at risk. In Arizona, one in four children lives in poverty – underscoring the importance of early intervention. Through partnerships with organizations like CPLC and the Siemer Institute, Valley of the Sun United Way connects families to flexible assistance, trusted navigators, and coordinated resources to prevent short-term crises from becoming long-term hardships.
Learn more about Mighty Families across our community.
Support Valley of the Sun United Way and initiatives like Mighty Families.
