Our Program
The Peyton Foundation addresses the financial hardships many of El Paso County's legal residents are facing and gives living, medical and vocational/educational assistance. Money is directly given to the source or entity on behalf of the individual. Some are struggling from paycheck to paycheck when an unforeseen circumstance and this causes them to seek aid. Others are trying to better themselves through education while working, supporting a family, or both. Some seek funds who are applying for Social Security disability and cannot work during this process. At times, an applicant applies for funding who is seeking employment due to not enough working hours, a temporary layoff, downsizing or being fired. Individuals need extra funding who have had a recent injury, surgery, or an illness requiring hospitalization. Many are suffering with a long-term illness such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, HIV, a heart condition or diabetes. Those with a mental or physical handicap including children with special needs require assistance.
Every source from which the applicant could receive needed funds must be exhausted. A comprehensive application with validation of monthly income and expenses is required and, if applicable, documentation of a medical condition, hospital stay, or the current status of an application for Social Security disability. A very thorough investigation is done by the Executive Director, Louise Keats, before a person can be funded.
Applications are considered by a the Foundation trustees at their monthly board meeting.
How We Help
Educational assistance is granted to individuals residing in El Paso County to assist them with an education. This can cover anything that the student needs to go or stay in school, including tuition (full or partial) to a career institution that provides vocational training or to a college/university. Other grants are issued for books, supplies, GED tests, licenses for a job or trade such as a food handler, plumber, electrician, etc., and any form of living assistance such as daycare, rent, gasoline or food.
Living assistance is granted for food, clothing, rent/mortgage, any kind of house or car repairs, utilities, car payments/insurance, gasoline, daycare, bus passes, birth certificates, driver's license, or any other living expense.
Medical assistance is granted for dental work and equipment or supplies for physically or mentally handicapped individuals. If an applicant does not have health insurance or money to pay for medical bills or medications, funds are substituted for living assistance, thus enabling the individual to pay for those medical needs.
El Paso Demographics
El Paso, at the base of the Rocky Mountains with an elevation of 4000 feet, is historically known as El Paso Del Norte or "Pass of the North" through which the famous Spanish conquistadores passed. It is the 6th largest city in Texas and is located in the far west region of the state bordering Las Cruces, New Mexico and Juarez, Mexico. El Paso's population is 800,647 making it the largest metropolitan area along the U.S.-Mexican border. 82% of El Paso County's residents are Hispanic and many are naturalized citizens, resident aliens, or migrant workers who have come to El Paso to work. Approximately 24% of El Pasoans live at or below poverty level, per capita income level is $18,992, the median income is $36,015, and 1 in 3 of the population do not have health insurance. In 2010, El Paso received the All American City Award and was named the Safest City in the US with a population over 500,000. El Paso ranks as the 19th largest city in America.