I got a request from a penpal's friend for help in finding assistance for getting a phone line hooked up so he can parole to his girlfriend's house in Tucson. The girlfriend just got in financial difficulty due to a car wreck and can't afford the $200 needed to get a land line. The guy has been in for 14 yrs and will have to serve longer if he can't solve this problem. I am naive about this type of thing and really don't want to hand over money to a stranger but am willing to make phone calls or direct the girlfriend (who is only 21) to the right agencies. I am in Colorado and would greatly appreciate some suggestions of help available or alternatives to this living arrangement for this guy.

Well, normally the phone service will let you break up the down payment so that you can get the phone turned on. I am not sure how else she can get a phone without money. I wouldnt want to turn my money over to a stranger either, but it sucks that it's holding up his parole.

I would be cautious here , as she can get a part time second job etc to make this money as it would just be a temporary job... this is a shame and yes they need a phone from all I know ... but this is not your issue when he has a girlfriend to deal with it, have you spoke to her, do you know her?
just be cautious I am not saying he is doing anything wrong, I am saying be careful

I haven't called the girlfriend. I live in Colorado and was trying to find some resources to give her first. Someone on another board suggested a phone that is prepaid every month. Can you get a land line like that in Tucson? Can anybody suggest who I would call to find resources? Since I write several AZ prisoners, I'd like to maintain a list of resources.

Thanks everyone for your help.

I would be cautious here , as she can get a part time second job etc to make this money as it would just be a temporary job... this is a shame and yes they need a phone from all I know ... but this is not your issue when he has a girlfriend to deal with it, have you spoke to her, do you know her?
just be cautious I am not saying he is doing anything wrong, I am saying be careful