If so, you may be eligible for assistance through a new program called SEAGO CARES.
Southeastern Arizona Governments Organization (SEAGO) has received a Community Development Block Grant through the Arizona Department of Housing to help people in Cochise, Graham and Greenlee Counties who have been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. Federally funded through the 2020 CARES Act, SEAGO CARES is a new program available for qualifying households who need help with mortgage and other payments such as utilities, and in some cases food or clothing.
Qualifying households are defined as having:
- Full time residency in Cochise, Graham or Greenlee Counties;
- Qualified for unemployment or have otherwise experienced a reduction in household income or financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic;
- A risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability;
- A household income at or below 80% of the area median income.
For qualifying households enrolled in the program, SEAGO will make payments directly to mortgage and utility companies. These funds will be on a first qualified, first served basis, and the program will last until September 30, 2022 or when the program funds are expended. Because other agencies such as DES are currently assisting qualifying households with rent and utility payments, SEAGO CARES will give priority to those with a COVID-related mortgage hardship.
The application can be found online at www.seago.org/cares. Persons without access to the internet may call the SEAGO offices at 520-432-5301, extension 203. Paper applications are also available at the SEAGO offices, 1403 W. Highway 92, Bisbee Arizona 85603.