EDISON INTERNATIONAL FUNDS LifeSTEPS CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM – HELPING LOW WAGE EARNERS SUSTAIN HOUSING

RIVERSIDE, CA – January 6, 2012 – In Riverside and Imperial counties, LifeSTEPS provides services at 26 affordable housing communities. These communities are characterized by rental rates that allow very low-income families, seniors and individuals to pay rent that is within their financial means. Within affordable housing communities, access to resident centered supportive services and strong connections with neighbors can help residents maintain housing and move forward. The people LifeSTEPS serves are the most vulnerable populations: the working poor, senior citizens, and children living in poverty. They are, literally, one medical emergency, flat tire, or lost job hours away from potential homelessness. Thanks to financial support from contributors like Edison International, LifeSTEPS has established the LifeSTEPS Client Assistance Program. Edison International has committed $10,000 to this program to be expended on behalf of residents living in Riverside and Imperial counties.

LifeSTEPS actively seeks supports from private donors and foundations for the Client Assistance Program so that we can continue to be a powerful solution in catching people before they fall into homelessness. With this $10,000 award from Edison International LifeSTEPS will ensure that even more people remain housed – and acquire the knowledge and skills that will help them -and generations to come – to rise out of poverty.