After significant federal grant cuts this year, Valley Assistance Services (VAS) is reshaping key programs to keep up with rising community needs, pivoting toward job training, financial literacy, and an expanded essentials pantry to fill growing gaps in support.

The nonprofit, which provides direct aid and long-term stability services for residents across Green Valley and Sahuarita, says one of its client-assistance programs saw a 77% funding reduction. Executive Director Chris Erickson says the cuts come at a time when more people than ever are seeking help.

We see 12 to 15 households per week and one to three households experiencing homelessness per week, Erickson said. We have a long waitlistabout 650. When funding is up in the air, it makes us nervous.

Instead of scaling back, VAS

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