In-need Valley families can apply to get free pool fence

Child Crisis Arizona, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the safety of children and families, is partnering with Salt River Project and 493 Firefighter Foundation on the Pool Fence Safety Program.

Now through Sunday, March 24, parents or caregivers who are financially unable to afford pool barriers and have young children can apply to receive a pool fence free of cost.

“Drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old and remains among the top five causes of death for children ages 5 to 9 years old,” Caitlin Sageng, Child Crisis Arizona senior program director, shared in a press release. “This Pool Fence Safety Program, which last year awarded 16 families living in Maricopa County a new pool fence, is focused on actionable change to solve the community problem of child drownings.”

In addition to providing pool fences at no cost to local families, the program educates parents and caregivers on the importance of keeping children safe around water through a virtual water safety workshop led by Safe Kids Maricopa County, which is open throughout the year to anyone.

Maricopa County families can apply to be awarded a new pool fence at no cost if they meet certain eligibility criteria. With applications available in both English and Spanish, those interested in receiving a free pool fencing installation can apply on the organization’s website at childcrisisaz.org/pool-fence-safety-program .

Requirements:

• Must have a child age 6 or under living in the home
• Home must be owner-occupied; no renters
• Family must reside within Maricopa County
• Family must be income qualified; participation in one of the following assistance programs will be used to verify income eligibility: food stamps, Medicaid, WIC, Energy Assistance or Unemployment
• If the family is not enrolled in one of the assistance programs, household income will be considered, and their most recent tax return will be used to verify income eligibility

The total sponsorship for the program is $25,000, which is funded by SRP. The 493 Firefighter Foundation (formerly known as United Phoenix Firefighter Charities) also works each year to pledge support for the program.