For seniors in Navajo and Apache counties, finding help can be as difficult as paying for it. U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts reports that 22.7% of Navajo County residents and 29.3% of Apache County residents live in poverty. Those are rates for residents of all ages, but they show the financial pressures in the communities where local seniors live. The counties are also vast and sparsely populated: Navajo County covers about 9,949 square miles and had 10.7 residents per square mile in the 2020 Census; Apache County covers about 11,198 square miles and had just 5.9 residents per square mile. A food pantry, clinic, or benefits office may therefore be a substantial trip from someone’s home, especially for a senior who no longer drives.

Providing clear, local resource information helps seniors turn an available service into one they can actually use. A directory with phone numbers, addresses, hours, eligibility details, and transportation options can spare someone repeated calls or a long trip to a closed office. It should be available in print as well as online: Census QuickFacts estimates that 74.2% of Navajo County households and 60.0% of Apache County households had a broadband internet subscription in 2020–2024. At White Mountain Community Center, sharing up-to-date information about food, meals, health care, housing, benefits, and social activities—and helping people make the first call when needed—can connect seniors with support before a manageable need becomes a crisis.
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​White Mountain Community Center helps seniors turn information into connection. Through shared meals, the Feeding Families food pantry, activities, and caring staff and volunteers, the Center offers a welcoming place to ask questions and find support. When someone needs help beyond its own programs, the Center can point them toward local food assistance, transportation, health care, housing, and benefits resources. For seniors who may feel isolated or unsure where to begin, having a familiar place and a person willing to listen can make the first step easier.

Our staff are happy to help you connect with whatever local services you may require. 928-358-5869