courtesy of City of Mesa website

March 31, 2014
Public Information & Communications
Contact: Kevin Christopher
Tel. 480-644-4699
kevin.christopher@mesaaz.gov

Mesa, AZ – The site has been transformed from an old motel serving as a family homeless shelter to a state-of-the-art campus to help address a long-term solution for homelessness.  A grand opening ceremony has been held for the La Mesita Apartments, 2254 W. Main St., in Mesa.

“The La Mesita Apartments redevelopment is another example of the great partnership Mesa has with non-profit organizations and the State of Arizona to benefit the residents and our community.  Each of the partners played a very important role to make this project a success,” Mayor Scott Smith said.

The City of Mesa, Arizona Department of Housing and numerous community partnerships are involved with the La Mesita redevelopment.  The City offered 30 project-based housing vouchers for La Mesita residents and a 20 year interest-free loan to help A New Leaf begin the project.  La Mesita is also utilizing low income tax credits from the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH).

“The La Mesita Apartments will be a high-quality project in west Mesa that will offer affordable housing in close proximity to light rail and other public transit as well as neighborhood services,” District 3 Councilmember Dennis Kavanaugh said.  “The City is excited about the project because it has the potential to act as a catalyst for more redevelopment in the area.”

A New Leaf, based in Mesa, has partnered with Native American Connections to build the La Mesita Apartments, which includes an 80-unit affordable housing facility.  Approximately 30 of these units will be permanent, supportive housing units for chronically homeless individuals and residents who need more intensive and longer-term supportive services.

The development also includes community rooms for residents, a health and wellness center and three classrooms operated by Head Start.  Residents will continue to receive A New Leaf’s integrated services including assistance from healthcare, workforce development opportunities and financial literacy and education classes.  A New Leaf will operate an after school program at the apartment complex
 
“Thanks to the vision shared with our partners for this project, we are able to provide permanent supportive housing and onsite services at La Mesita,” A New Leaf President and CEO Michael Hughes said.  “We all agree that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home which we now have here at the La Mesita Apartments.”

The grand opening is for Phase One at La Mesita. Phase Two involves building a new supportive service office building, a three-story 16-unit family shelter building and play area for children.  Construction will begin in April 2014.  Phase Three will include 30 additional units for the chronically homeless, a new parking layout and new open space area.

For more information, visit www.TurnaNewLeaf.org or call A New Leaf at (480) 464-4648.