Families-In-Need Encouraged to Apply Now for Free Pool Fences

Summer is here, and swimming is top of mind for children in search of fun and a break from the heat. To create awareness and keep little ones safe around water, Child Crisis Arizona is pleased to announce the return of the Pool Fence Safety Program in conjunction with Salt River Project (SRP) and the United Phoenix Firefighters Charities (UPFC).

“SRP and UPFC launched the free pool fence program about 20 years, which provides funding for families that are financially unable to afford pool barriers and have young children,” said Caitlin Sageng, Family Resources manager of Child Crisis Arizona. “After a program hiatus, we are now joining the effort as the program coordinator, which aligns perfectly with our Safe Kids of Maricopa County program. We are excited for this new opportunity to serve families.”

Families living in Maricopa County can apply to be awarded a new pool fence at no cost if they meet certain eligibility criteria. The application process officially opened this week and closes on July 5th. 

“As the largest provider of water in the Valley for the past century, water safety is paramount at SRP. Research shows that secure pool fencing can prevent about 75 percent of water-related drownings of unsupervised children,” said SRP Community Engagement Strategist Regina Lane. “SRP is committed to improving the quality of life for the people we serve. Through our various drowning-prevention outreach programs and contributions, we hope to help parents with the education and resources they need to keep their children safe around water.”

The total sponsorship is $35,000. Twenty-five thousand funded by SRP and the UPFC pledges to raise $10,000 to support the program.

“The installation of pool barriers continues to be a key factor in the prevention of child drownings, said David Ramirez with United Phoenix Firefighters Charities. “There is nothing more aggressive in preventing tragedies than putting in a pool fence. Child drownings are truly a community problem. We are encouraged to have organizations like SRP and Child Crisis Arizona step up and lead this effort.”

Applications are available in both English and Spanish. Families may apply on the Child Crisis Arizona website, childcrisisaz.org/pool-fence-safety-program.

Requirements:
- Must have a child six-years old or younger living in the home
- Home must be owner-occupied, no renters
- Family must reside within Maricopa County
- Family must be income-qualified and participation in one of the following assistance programs will be used to verify income eligibility: Food stamps, Medicaid, WIC, Energy Assistance, Unemployment or a recipient of the 2021 Child Tax Credit.

About Child Crisis Arizona
Child Crisis Arizona is home to Safe Kids Maricopa County, the local chapter for a worldwide organization aiming to prevent childhood injury and death. Child Crisis Arizona’s vision is safe kids and strong families. We provide thousands of nights of safety and security for children in the foster care system from birth through age 21 in our Emergency Children’s Shelters, teenage group home and Independent Living homes. We also have one of the largest foster care and adoption programs to license, train and certify individuals and families interested in providing a home to a child in need. We create strong and successful families through our counseling programs, classes and workshops, and early education services. Learn more at childcrisisaz.org.

About United Phoenix Firefighters Charities 
The United Phoenix Firefighters Charities was organized in 1964 and consists of more than 2600 professional fire fighters across the Valley, in Phoenix, Surprise, Tempe, Glendale, Chandler and Peoria. Since becoming a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, relationships have been built and partnerships established with community leaders, private businesses, citizens, other nonprofits and for-profit organizations to improve the lives of the community we serve.  Along with our supporters, the UPFC has had life-changing impacts on the valley. To learn more, visit phxffcharities.org.

About SRP
SRP is a community-based, not-for-profit public power utility and the largest electricity provider in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, serving approximately 1.1 million customers. SRP provides water to about half of the Valley’s residents, delivering more than 244 billion gallons of water (750,000 acre-feet) each year, and manages a 13,000-square-mile watershed that includes an extensive system of reservoirs, wells, canals and irrigation laterals. For more water safety information, visit srpnet.com/watersafety.