Contributed Article/Courtesy Wildfire
PHOENIX – Diapers remain one of the most vital essentials for low-income families trying to keep their children clean, safe, and healthy — yet this basic need is often overlooked among public programs. To help close this gap and empower parents financially, statewide anti-poverty nonprofit Wildfire kicked off its fourth-annual diaper program on Oct. 1 in partnership with several Community Action Agencies across Arizona.
Families in 13 counties can receive up to 150 free diapers per month for every child in their care. All ages and sizes are covered through the program, from premature newborns to toddlers. Cloth diapers and potty-training kits are also available upon request.
The effort is funded through a $500,000 annual grant from the Administration for Children and Families as part of the Diaper Distribution Pilot Program, which supplies limited-income households with diapers and connections to other critical resources at no cost. This is especially urgent in Arizona, where half of all families struggle to afford enough diapers to keep their little ones consistently dry, according to the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN).
Not only does this heighten the risk of rashes and infections, but it also limits access to childcare and early education services. NDBN reports that one in four parents must miss work or school as a result, ultimately causing greater stress and income loss that hinders economic mobility. Access to diapers helps relieve that strain and opens doors to wraparound support, including job training, financial education, and housing services — sparking change beyond the changing table.
“No parent should ever have to choose between buying diapers and paying rent,” said Kelly McGowan, executive director of Wildfire. “Helping families meet this need improves children’s health and well-being while also reducing barriers that prevent caregivers from pursuing life-changing work and education opportunities.”
Families can qualify for the program based on income level and household size. Diapers will be available at the following Community Action Agencies throughout Arizona:
- Phoenix: City of Phoenix locations – 3454 N. 51st Ave., 914 W. Hatcher Rd., 4732 S. Central Ave. – (602) 534-2433
- Mesa: A New Leaf/MesaCAN, 635 E. Broadway Rd. – (480) 833-9200
- Mesa: Maricopa County Human Services Department, 1001 W. Southern Ave., Suite 106 – (602) 372-3700
- Casa Grande: Casa Grande CAHRA Alliance, 280 W. McMurray Blvd. – (520) 836-5022
- Flagstaff: Coconino County Health & Human Services, 2625 N. King St. – (928) 679-7453
- Page: Coconino County Health & Human Services, 467 Vista Ave. – (928) 679-7481
- Williams: Coconino County Health & Human Services, 850 W. Grant Ave. – (928) 679-7496
- Pinal County: Community Action Human Resource Agency, 109 N. Sunshine Blvd., Eloy – (520) 466-1112
- Globe: Gila County Community Services, 5515 S. Apache Ave., #200 – (928) 402-8811
- Payson: Gila County Community Services, 514 S. Beeline Hwy. – (928) 425-7631
- Apache, Navajo & Yavapai Counties: Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG), 119 E. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff – (928) 774-1895
- Tucson: Pima County Community Action Agency, 801 W. Congress St. – (520) 724-2460
- Cochise, Graham, Greenlee & Santa Cruz Counties: Southeastern Arizona Community Action Program (SEACAP), 283 W. 5th St., Safford – (800) 293-1144
- Yuma County: Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG), 1235 S. Redondo Center Dr., Yuma – (928) 782-1886
About Wildfire
Founded in 1967, Wildfire is a nonprofit addressing poverty in Arizona through advocacy and service. Wildfire partners with organizations statewide to connect those in need with critical resources — from heat relief to family, food, and nutrition programs. Additionally, Wildfire serves as an advocate, collaborating with policymakers to create lasting change and a fairer, more inclusive Arizona. More at wildfireaz.org.
