SE Valley Times

Mesa is currently commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, established in 1974 to enhance individuals' empowerment and bolster communities by enhancing housing conditions and expanding economic opportunities. Michelle Albanese, the Mesa Housing and Community Development Director, emphasized the significant impact of CDBG funds on the city, stating, “We have seen first-hand the incredible impact CDBG funds have had in Mesa. They are a critical resource to the City and our local non-profit partners looking to improve conditions for our community.”

Over the past five years, Mesa has benefited from over $22 million in CDBG funds, which have been utilized in collaboration with local non-profit agencies to provide housing rehabilitation assistance, capital improvements to community facilities, parks, homeless shelters, COVID mitigation and prevention efforts, and critical services for vulnerable populations. Various non-profit organizations such as House of Refuge, A New Leaf, East Valley Men’s Emergency Shelter, and others have been recipients of Mesa's support through programs like Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), and Human Services funding.

Faviola Chavez, the Director of Real Estate at A New Leaf, expressed gratitude for Mesa's support, stating, “The City of Mesa team has been an invaluable partner for A New Leaf. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars have greatly impacted our success story. Your contributions helped improve the lives of the most vulnerable people in our community.”

Through these partnerships and funding allocations, Mesa has been able to allocate approximately $8.5 million in HOME funds since 2019 for housing programs and new development initiatives. The city's commitment to community development and support for non-profit organizations has played a vital role in enhancing the well-being of Mesa's residents and advancing towards a more inclusive and thriving community.