By Rusty Bradshaw
Independent Newsmedia

Sun City Community Assistance Network is one of several community organizations that operate on generous donations, and thanks to some gifts agency officials made changes to offer more service to residents.

The Sun City CAN Board of Directors opened several of the organization’s programs to more low-income Sun City residents. The altered programs include Dial-A-Ride tickets, fire department lock boxes and respite care.

“We are really grateful to the people and the organizations that support Sun City CAN,” Hugh Duncan, Sun City CAN board president, stated in an email. “It is their generosity that has enabled us to expand these free programs and reach more Sun City low-income residents.”

The first change, which affects all three programs, is an increase in the income requirements. The limit now is 200 percent of the poverty level, up 50 percentage points, according to Mr. Duncan. The previous income limits were $1,508 for a single person and $2,030 for a two-person household. They now are $2,010 and $2,707, respectively.

Sun City CAN officials also removed a restriction for Dial-A-Ride users. The restriction that participants could not own a car is removed, according to Mr. Duncan.

“The program is open to any Sun City resident over 65 who need help with transportation and meets the 200 percent of poverty level income guideline above,” he stated.

All full-time Sun City residents are now eligible to have fire department lock boxes installed at their homes at no cost. Previously, the program was open to those residents living alone in a home.

“That was because they were the most vulnerable,” Mr. Duncan said. “That restriction has now been removed and the program is open to all full-time Sun City resident regardless of how many people reside in the residence, as long as they meet the 200 percent of poverty level guideline and have no more than $13,300 in savings.”

The respite care program is open to full-time Sun City residents who are primary caregivers of an elderly or ill patient for the past three months. They must have a monthly income less than $2,010 (single) or $2,707 (two-person household) and less than $13,300 in savings. Three days of respite care for the patient at Sun Valley Lodge is provided at no cost under a partnership between Sun City CAN and Sun Valley Lodge.

Fire department lock box cost is paid for any full-time Sun City resident with a monthly income less than $2,010 (single) or $2,707 (two person household) and with savings and investments less than $13,300. The cost for lock box is normally $65.

Free Dial-A-Ride tickets are available for all full-time Sun City residents 65 or older or disabled with a monthly income less than $2,010 (single) or $2,707 (two person household). The recipient receives $50 in tickets four times per year.

Residents who believe they might qualify for any of the above programs can call the CAN office at 623-933-7530 or stop by, 10195 W. Coggins Drive.