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Paiute Neighborhood Center reports rising demand, new partnerships and expanded programming
Summary
Paiute Neighborhood Center supervisor Pablo Flores told the Human Services Advisory Commission the center recorded 2,108 client contacts Jan. 1–Nov. 30 and is finalizing a contract with a family‑support provider to offer on‑site enrollment help for benefits; staff and nonprofit partners supplied the bulk of recent program growth.
Pablo Flores, supervisor at the Paiute Neighborhood Center, told the Scottsdale Human Services Advisory Commission on Dec. 17 that the center fielded 2,108 service contacts from Jan. 1 through Nov. 30 and is expanding programs after a recent $10,000 donation from Partners for Paiute.
Flores outlined how staff covered additional duties while a colleague was on leave and described core services — case management, rent and utility assistance, food boxes and ready‑to‑eat bags for people experiencing homelessness. “I truly appreciate their dedication and their readiness to support our operations during that time,” Flores said, thanking a small staff he called “small but mighty.”
He credited local partners for supporting new and returning programs: a donated $10,000 grant enabled monthly community “coffee and community” gatherings, an eight‑week Young Rembrandt drawing class (182 student attendees) and a Science on Wheels series that drew 194 K–6 students. Flores said the Pillars of Light mural project involved more than 80 students across Scottsdale Unified School District campuses.
Flores announced staff are finalizing a contract with a family support organization (presented in the meeting as “NOAA/Noah”) to provide on‑site workshops and enrollment assistance for SNAP, LIHEAP and Medicare savings programs at Paiute’s Building 9. The contract is planned to begin bimonthly and could expand to monthly sessions if demand increases. Flores said the provider’s specialist “will help families enroll and access SNAP, LIHEAP, Medicare savings program, and other resources … on the spot.”
Commissioners pressed for budget context. Commissioner Jamieson asked how much of the city budget supports Paiute; a staff member said the center’s annual budget is $554,000, of which $515,000 is personnel. Commissioners also noted the center will participate in the city’s point‑in‑time homeless count slated for Jan. 27, 2026.
Flores closed by telling a client success story in which a security deposit from Partners for Paiute helped a survivor of domestic abuse secure housing. Commissioners and attendees commended Paiute staff and encouraged sharing photos and success stories with the nonprofit’s board and the city’s communications team.
The commission did not take legislative action on the presentation; Flores said he would provide comparatives to earlier years and follow up on requested budget breakdowns.
