Duncan: CAN, Habitat unite to paint houses in Sun City

Hugh Duncan

Independent Newsmedia file photo

Sun City Community Assistance Network

10195 W. Coggins Drive
Sun City, AZ

Habitat for Humanity

9133 W. Grand Avenue
Peoria, AZ

The Mission of the Sun City Community Assistance Network is to, “Connect people with resources to enhance their standard of living.”

In other words, Sun City CAN helps people save money on things like property taxes, income taxes, utilities, Medicare premiums, prescription drugs and other things.

Many benefits go unclaimed simply because people are unaware that the benefits exist. In an effort to shed light on some of the help that is available to low-income seniors, I will write a guest commentary each month about a different senior help program.

Below is a listing of benefits available for low-income seniors that some may not realize are available.

House painting

Sun City Community Assistance Network and Habitat for Humanity teamed up to paint the houses of low-income Sun City residents that fell into disrepair. Sun City CAN is screening applicants and providing the funding while Habitat for Humanity is providing estimates, on-site evaluation and the actual painting. The program is called “Paint the Town.”

Many low-income people, usually widows, just do not have the money to repaint their houses on a regular basis. These houses eventually fall into disrepair and  become eyesores, which detracts from the neighborhood. “Paint the Town” not only benefits the low-income property owner but it improves the appearance of the neighborhood and the resale value of adjacent properties.

The first 16 houses were painted at a cost of about $2,500 each. One had not been painted for 36 years! The property owner was most grateful and wrote, “I want to thank CAN and Habitat for Humanity and everyone involved in getting my house painted. I am delighted with it. I am so grateful to all of you.”

To be eligible for the program, the property owner must e a Sun City resident and live in the home in need of painting, have monthly income below $1,843 if single or $2,485 for two persons and have less than $16,660 (single) or $33,240 (two persons) in savings, CDs and other investments.

Not everyone meeting the above criteria will be selected. Priority will be given to those with the greatest financial need and the houses most in need of paint. If you know of a house in your neighborhood whose owner might meet the above qualifications, please encourage them to contact Sun City CAN.  

Sun City CAN’s mission is to connect people with resources to enhance their standard of living. All services are free to everyone we assist.

Donations to help fund this program from individuals, churches and organization are welcomed and encouraged. Please earmark donations “Paint the Town” and send to Sun City CAN, 10195 W. Coggins Drive, Sun City, AZ 85351. CAN’s phone number is 623—933-7530.

Editor’s Note: We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.