Tempe Community Action Agency

It’s amazing to see how much has changed in sixty years. A look back at TCAA in 1966 compared to our new building opening later this year shows just how far our organization has come. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to supporting the East Valley community. Thank you for being part of this journey with us as we celebrate six decades of service and prepare for an exciting new chapter. 🩵🌟

If you’re thinking about hosting a water drive, a few helpful tips can make your impact even greater:

• Pick a convenient drop-off location
• Give clear details on what you’re collecting
• Promote your drive early and often
• Team up with friends, clubs, or workplaces
• Keep your delivery or pickup plan simple and organized

These small steps can make a big difference for our community.

We’re thrilled to share that State Farm has once again stepped up to support TCAA’s Economic Mobility programs. Their grant increased from $50,000 last year to $75,000 this year, helping us reach even more families working toward stability.

We’re so grateful for this ongoing partnership and the impact it makes for our community.

Ever wondered what TCAA looks like behind the scenes? Our visits offer a chance to sit down with our team, learn about our mission, explore volunteer and donor opportunities, and take a quick walk through our food pantry and services site.

If you’d like to join us for a visit, schedule one here: https://tempeaction.org/get-involved/volunteer-now/take-a-tour.html
We’d love to show you how community support creates real impact.

We’re celebrating a major milestone at our future home! The final beam has officially been placed, marking the moment the building reached its full height. Each step forward brings us closer to a space that will expand our programs and increase our ability to support the community. We're so thankful to everyone who has made this possible along the way.

Join our team through AmeriCorps VISTA and help strengthen the work we do at TCAA!

We’re looking for a VISTA member who’s passionate about making systems better so more people in our community can access shelter, meals, and support. In this role, you’ll help create easier, tech-supported processes for shelter intake, bed tracking, meal distribution, and food pantry services. You’ll also help build data tools, internal guides, and a more structured volunteer and internship system.

Your work will help TCAA use resources more efficiently, improve how we track outcomes, and expand our ability to serve individuals and families facing housing and food insecurity.

This AmeriCorps VISTA position starts 8/10/2026, and applications are due 7/17/2026. If you’re ready to make a long-term impact, we’d love to have you on our team. Apply now! https://www.handsonphoenix.org/why-vista

Meet our Volunteer of the Month, Randy Dietrich!

Randy first connected with TCAA years ago, but it wasn’t until he retired in 2008 that he found his place delivering meals to seniors through our Meals on Wheels program. He chose this work because he wanted to help people in a direct, personal way, and that intention has shaped every delivery since.

Randy has met many clients and created warm, meaningful connections along the way. One client’s family even reached out after their passing to share how much Randy’s visits brightened his days. Stories like this are why Randy continues to volunteer year after year.

We are so thankful for Randy’s dedication and the kindness he brings to every interaction. Help us celebrate him in the comments, and check out his full story on our blog: https://tempeaction.org/who-we-are/newsroom.html/article/2026/05/20/randy-dietrich-a-volunteer-whose-deliveries-go-far-beyond-a-meal

TCAA is being supported all month through a round-up campaign at the two Tempe locations of Paul’s Ace Hardware. When you choose to round up your purchase in May, your contribution goes directly to TCAA, and Paul’s Ace Hardware will add a 10% match to every donation.

Participating locations:
• 929 E Broadway Rd, Tempe, AZ
• 1153 W Broadway Rd, Tempe, AZ

We’ll also have a table at one of the stores tomorrow, Saturday May 23, where you can grab some swag and learn more about how TCAA supports our community. There's also a memorial day sale going on from now until the 25th!

This spring, our corporate volunteer partners have shown up in meaningful ways to support TCAA’s work. At the Escalante Community Garden - TCAA, Avnet was invited by HandsOn Greater Phoenix to help overhaul the garden. They also surprised us with a generous $10,000 grant to support community programs.

We also welcomed volunteer teams from The Home Depot and Armanino to help with major garden projects. Outside the garden, teams from Cornerstone Online refreshed our client service space and organized supplies, while volunteers from Sam's Club and Arizona Central Credit Union helped out in the Food Pantry.

We are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and heart each group brings to our work. If your workplace or community group is interested in volunteering, contact Julie at [email protected].

Arizona’s summers are becoming hotter and lasting longer, and extreme heat is creating serious risks for vulnerable neighbors in across the Valley. The urban heat island effect keeps temperatures dangerously high even at night, making recovery difficult for those without consistent shelter or access to water.

TCAA is encouraging community members to take action by hosting a Water Drive or Heat Relief Drive. Needed items include water, nonperishable food, sunscreen, hats, reusable water bottles, electrolytes, and cooling towels.

If an in-person drive isn’t possible, you can also host a Virtual Drive. Funds raised enable us to bulk purchase water and essential supplies for those most impacted by extreme heat. Learn more: https://tempeaction.org/get-involved/involve-your-business/in-office-volunteer-opportunities.html

Your support helps protect seniors, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness during Arizona’s hottest months. Thank you for helping us keep our community safe.