CALLING ALL MESA RESIDENTS — Unhoused in your community need YOUR help!
The city of Mesa is looking to purchase the Grand Hotel and turn it into an emergency housing shelter with the city’s Off the Streets program. Read on to learn more about the project and how you can join LAMA, Lutheran Social Services of the South West, and Arizona Faith Network in advocating for vulnerable Mesa residents.
Proposed Plan
According to Mayor John Giles, homelessness in the Mesa area is a growing problem. For every 10 people that find housing, 19 become unsheltered. In order to extend assistance to the area’s vulnerable community members, the city launched the Off the Streets program in May of 2020, with the goal of providing immediate housing and stability to those in need. Since then, over 1,700 people have been served. Currently, the program provides this temporary housing by leasing hotel rooms for folks to stay in. Now, the program is looking to expand by purchasing the Grand Hotel property at 6733 E Main Street, obtaining a Council Use Permit, and converting the facilities into temporary housing units.
The Hotel has 72 rooms, which will be used as a sort of pre-shelter— providing folks with somewhere to stay while working on a plan for more permanent housing. The city offers case management and comprehensive stabilization services in order to assist people with these long term plans. The proposed shelter will continue to adhere to the city’s Good Neighbor Policy, meaning there will be round-the-clock oversight, a referral process to access resources, and a buffered outdoor area for participant use. According to the city’s data, crime trends around the current program area have been consistent with, and sometimes lower than, those of the entire city, meaning that the addition of a Grand Hotel shelter is unlikely to negatively impact the neighborhood while providing help to those in need. Funding for the project comes from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021, which helps government entities and private citizens reverse pandemic-related issues.
For details about the efficacy of the Off the Streets program and the ways it benefits the Mesa community, click here.
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house?” — Isaiah 58:6-7
Your Part
Mayor Giles has reached out to the the faith community, asking us for our support. As Christians, it is our duty to extend love, dignity, and help to those in need, including and especially marginalized groups like the unhoused. An important part of doing this is making sure that people have safe places to sleep, access to shelter, and help with planning their next steps. Supporting the Grand Hotel acquisition is a great way for Mesa residents to minister to these needs within their community.
Letters of support for the project are needed by Saturday, November 3.
You can find your city council district and contact information for the Mayor and all the council members here.
Below is a sample letter, courtesy Arizona Faith Network partners:
Dear ________ ,
I'm writing to voice my support for the purchase of the Grand Hotel with American Rescue Plan Act dollars. The Off the Streets Program is an excellent way to bridge the gap between homelessness and a stable life for many of Mesa's most vulnerable citizens. I urge you to VOTE YES on this, and continue this legacy for the City of Mesa. It's a great program, and the right thing to do.
Sincerely,
_______
If you are willing and able, please include personalized stories, opinions, and experiences related to the need within your community!
In addition to writing your city officials, consider voicing your support at the upcoming city council meetings on October 16th and November 6th at 5:45 pm. The public can attend meetings in person, electronically, or by phone. The meeting can be watched on local cable channel 11, at Mesa11.com/live, or by calling 88-788-0099 or 877-853-5247 using meeting ID 825 0808 5605. Comments can be made over the phone or via an Online Comment Card, at least one hour before the meeting. For more information on upcoming city council meetings, click here.
