Domestic Hunger Partner Spotlight: Valley Interfaith Project in Mesa

The Valley Interfaith Project, an ELCA World Hunger Domestic Grant partner, is advocating for the city of Mesa, Ariz., to move forward with its transitional housing project.

The city bought the Sunaire Hotel to accommodate its Off the Streets homelessness program but is now considering selling the building. Leaders from the Valley Interfaith Project and other nonprofits argue that it would be more cost-effective to move the program into the Sunaire and that the city should collaborate with nonprofits to address the housing needs of the community.

The article (link below) reports that Mesa faith and community leaders, organized through Valley Interfaith Project, are urging the Mesa City Council to finish and open the Sunaire Hotel as transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness. The city bought and renovated the hotel to continue its “Off the Streets” program, but the project’s future is uncertain after a recall election changed the council’s makeup and added a councilmember who opposed the program.

Faith leaders argue the city should “complete the work” because churches and nonprofits can provide meals, cooling centers, volunteer support, and temporary sleeping space, but they cannot provide the emergency housing capacity that the city can. The article frames the issue as both moral and financial: Mesa has already spent $13.2 million in acquisition and renovation costs, including $4 million from Maricopa County ARPA funds, and could have to repay those county funds if the hotel is not used as emergency shelter for at least 10 years.

The article also notes that Mesa’s Off the Streets program has served nearly 3,300 people since 2020. In 2025, it served 489 people, with a median stay of 70 days and an 86% “positive exit” rate; many clients were families, domestic violence survivors, or seniors. If Mesa proceeds, the program would move from the Windemere Hotel to the Sunaire Hotel and begin operating there in the summer.

Read more about Valley Interfaith Project’s advocacy here.