Helpful programs in Douglas

Here is a list of programs offered in Douglas and Cochise County that might be useful to you.

HOUSING

  • The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is in charge of the voucher program for Section 8 housing in Douglas and has been for more than 35 years.
    This program (Section 8 HCV) provides rental assistance to eligible households based on income. This is a program created by the Federal Government to assist older, disabled and low-income families in renting clean safe homes which they may not be able to afford on their own. 
  • In 2014, Douglas received approval to become an entitlement community which means the city receives funds for citywide improvements from HUD. Entitlement designation lasts for five years and the city is in process for a second five-year approval. From 2019-23, the proposed use of funds is as follows:
    2019:  Aquatic Center Facility Improvements
    2020:  City Wide New Infrastructure – Sidewalks, Curbing and ADA Ramps
    2021:  Sewer Line Improvements
    2022:  Library Expansion/ADA Improvements
    2023:  Joe Causey Park Community Recreation Improvements
  • Douglas Housing Manager, Xenia Gonzalez, is also the liaison for a county-wide regional committee for the 2020 Census. 
    “It is VERY important that an accurate count of our population is received by the federal government because that determines our funding levels for the next ten years,” Gonzalez said. ‘We hope everyone in the City encourages their friends and family to be counted in 2020’”
    The census counts everyone living in the United States. Based on the numbers collected, federal dollars are given to cities, counties and states for many federal programs, including: Section 8 housing assistance programs, highway planning and construction, nutrition assistance programs, early childhood education programs, medical assistance programs and many others. 

Source: Xenia Gonzalez, Housing Manager, City of Douglas 

BUSINESS SUPPORT 

  • The Arizona Small Business Development Center (AZSBDC) Network helps launch, grow and sustain small businesses in Arizona. There happens to be a satellite office at the Cochise College Douglas Campus. 
  • The SBDC claims to be Arizona’s largest, most comprehensive and accessible statewide source of assistance for small businesses in every stage of development. The Network is made up of two teams – the AZSBDC, which provides tools, training and one-on-one business counseling, and the Arizona Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC), which help businesses seeking federal, state and local contracting opportunities. 
  • The Douglas office offers one-on-one confidential business counseling, business training seminars, and business research assistance.
  • Cochise College SBDC — Douglas Satellite
    4190 W. Highway 80
    Douglas, AZ 85607
    Contact (520) 515-5478 for an appointment 

Source: “America’s SBDC Arizona” Accessed on 14 Sept. 2019”

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 

  • ARIZONA@WORK is the statewide workforce development network. The program works to connect employers of all sizes and types to opportunities to recruit, develop and retain employees. For job seekers throughout the state, they provide services and resources to help secure a job. 
  • AZ@WORK services and programs are provided at no charge because the program is federally funded. Some of these programs include: 

    Adult Education 
    Adult education programs are for individuals 16-years and older who are not currently enrolled in school and want to study for the GED test to attain a High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma, refresh academic skills for employment or job advancement or who want to learn English. 

    Arizona Apprenticeship 
    The Arizona Apprenticeship is a voluntary, industry-driven system, meaning it involves on-the-job training and directly related technical instruction at job sites. The program is sponsored by employers, employer associations, and jointly by management and labor. An apprentice, as an employee, receives supervised, structured, on-the-job work experience combined with related technical instruction in a specific occupation.

    The AZ@WORK office in Douglas, AZ
    515 E. 7th Street 
    Douglas, AZ 85607
    (520) 364-8906 

Source: Arizona@Work Accessed on 14 Sept. 2019