Staff Reports | Free Press Philanthropy
A New Leaf is transitioning 16 emergency shelter units at its La Mesita Family Shelter in Mesa into affordable housing, responding to a sharp decline in shelter funding and the expiration of American Rescue Plan Act dollars.
In the past year, La Mesita Family Shelter served 197 individuals — 112 children and 85 adults across 49 families — with an average stay of 74 days, according to a press release.
Under the new affordable housing model, the same space will more permanently house approximately 64 individuals annually (37 children and 27 adults, or 16 families), significantly increasing long-term housing stability, the release states.
“While we are temporarily converting these units to meet the increasing need for long-term affordable housing, this does not have to be a permanent shift,” said Laura Bode, chief philanthropy officer at A New Leaf. “If funding priorities or community needs change, we are prepared to re-evaluate and potentially reinstate emergency shelter services at La Mesita.”
Families residing in La Mesita’s shelter will remain housed as they transition into stable environments, with most moving out within 120 days — though extensions are available as needed. Intake for new shelter clients stopped in April, and the units are currently being prepared for affordable housing applications, which are now open.
Families accepted into the affordable housing program will continue to receive wraparound support, including access to on-site Head Start Preschool, After School and Teen Programs, case management, financial literacy workshops, and other community-driven resources.
A New Leaf has operated its six shelter programs at a growing deficit over the past three years, temporarily covered by expiring COVID-relief funds. The nonprofit pursued additional city, county, state, and philanthropic support to keep La Mesita Shelter running but was ultimately unable to secure sustainable funding.
“While we are frustrated by our inability to sustain emergency shelter services at La Mesita due to lack of funding, we believe this transition to affordable housing also meets an urgent and growing need,” Mr. Bode said. “It offers a sustainable, long-term solution to ending homelessness, and remains flexible.”
The situation is further compounded by proposed federal cuts to key housing and shelter programs—including Community Development Block Grants, Emergency Shelter Grants, HOME funds, and the Emergency Food and Shelter Program—which could take effect this fall.
“These funding threats are deeply concerning,” Mr. Bode said. “Emergency shelters are a critical safety net for families in crisis. Without sustained investment, we may see more reductions like this across the Valley.”
