City of Mesa announces path-to-recovery plan for homeless community

PHOENIX- The city of Mesa released details Wednesday of its latest plan to assist its homeless community through a housing path to recovery plan.

The new plan called Mesa’s Strategic Action Plan for Addressing Homelessness will prioritize public safety, access to housing and recovery resources, invest federal funding to ensure strong infrastructure, work regionally with neighboring communities and pursue partnerships with nonprofits.

“Mesa is a compassionate community, and this plan provides a balanced approach to support those most in need while also working toward community safety in public spaces, like our parks and libraries,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles in a press release. “This is a strong plan for Mesa.”

The 2021 Point-In-Time observation count included 467 unsheltered homeless individuals in Mesa, while the Homeless Management Information System reported as many as 3,200 individuals experiencing homelessness as of 2018.

“This plan includes the city’s Off the Streets program, which has successfully graduated 356 participants to longer-term housing since May 2020,” said Council member Mark Freeman in the release. “I’m proud of this work by several city departments, including public safety.”

The Off the Streets program provides emergency housing for participants until they are ready to begin the housing path to recovery.

“Mesa’s Strategic Plan for Addressing Homelessness is clear, comprehensive and adaptable,” said Vice Mayor Jen Duff in the release. “This will be a tremendous tool for Mesa residents and to City Council as we continue to address the growing needs for those experiencing homelessness.”

As the city of Mesa continues to combat homelessness, data will also be used to demonstrate the impact of services and funding, ensuring communication and transparency to local communities.

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