Difficult economic conditions have created special challenges for many people in our community. Although homelessness is one of the most visible, others face hunger, foreclosure or eviction, and financial crisis can be a contributing factor in domestic violence. These Mesa United Way Partner Agencies and programs have proven effective in dealing with these basic needs issues. (For more on agencies and programs, click on the logos or Info links.)
Agency: A New Leaf, Inc.
Program: Autumn House
Autumn House's vision is that all victims of domestic violence can find safety and shelter in their time of need. Autumn House provides crisis intervention, emergency shelter, advocacy and 
education to families who are experiencing the crisis of domestic violence. It is the goal of Autumn House to address the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe place in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse. Autumn House services are designed to provide for the physical and psychological safety of families victimized by domestic violence and also provides the basic necessities for those who are displaced or have fled their homes.
Agency: A New Leaf, Inc.
Program: East Valley Men's Center
It is the vision of East Valley Men's Center that homeless men have access to resources to help them get off the streets and back into the economic and social mainstream. EVMC's goal for each resident is permanent employment at a decent wage, safe and stable housing, and increased self-sufficiency skills.
Further Info: http://www.turnanewleaf.org
Agency: A New Leaf, Inc.
Program: EMPOWER
The Empower Transitional Living Program is a comprehensive, success development program for young adults, providing an opportunity and tools to break the cycle of poverty and violence in their lives, get on their feet and secure employment and/or education.
Agency: A New Leaf
Program: La Mesita Family Homeless Shelter
Homelessness in Maricopa County has doubled over the past ten years and there is a scarcity of affordable housing. It is the vision of La Mesita Family Homeless Shelter that no family is without safe shelter. The goal of La Mesita Family Homeless Shelter is to assist homeless families to become economically self-sufficient and to secure safe and stable housing.
Further Info: http://www.turnanewleaf.org
Agency: Aid to Adoption of Special Kids
Program: Special Friends Mentoring Program
Aid to Adoption of Special Kids, is a private, non-profit adoption and child placing agency dedicated to the placement of children with special needs into permanent, loving homes. 
AASK’s goal of building and preserving families is served through parent training and education, birth parent counseling, adoption placement, specialized medical foster care for young children, post-placement case management, support and supervision, and community education.
Agency: Child Crisis Center
Program: Arizona Adoption and Foster Care
Arizona Adoption and Foster Care, a program of the Child Crisis Center, was created more than 31 years ago to advocate for foster children. Agency leaders are experienced foster and adoptive 
parents who understood that foster and adoptive parents (now referred to as resource families) must be the primary advocates for their children. Arizona Adoption and Foster Care's mission is to empower and strengthen Arizona's children, youth and families by providing support services and education to enhance their opportunities to reach their full potential.
Further Info: http://www.childcrisis.org
Agency: Child Crisis Center
Program: Emergency Shelter Program
The Child Crisis Center's Emergency Shelter Program provides temporary shelter to children when their families are in crisis.
Further Info: http://www.childcrisis.org
Agency: Helen's Hope Chest
Program: Foster Children's Basic Needs
Helen's Hope Chest was created by Mesa United Way after state budget cuts drastically reduced the clothing allowance for foster children down to about $12 per month in 2009. Its goal is to help foster children with their basic needs such as clothing, school supplies, books and toys. It is named in honor of the spirit of a woman who was a foster child for many years but was never adopted. Helen's Hope Chest gives children a similar experience to shopping in a consignment store.
Agency: Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest
Program: Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program
Since 1970, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) has ministered to the urgent 
needs of people in communities throughout Arizona and the southwest. A willing heart, a helping hand, and a sense of serving the community with joy are reflected in the quality human care services LSS-SW is proud to deliver. Programs are developed and services delivered through partnerships with Lutheran congregations, other faith-based and community organizations, and federal and state government entities.
Agency: Mesa Community Action Network, Inc.
Program: Client Services and Work Assistance
For nearly 20 years, MesaCAN (Community Action Network) has served low-income Mesa 
residents and homeless men from across the state, maintaining its own 501 (c)3 and Tripartite Board of Directors. This community-oriented program has increased the economic stability of thousands of individuals and families in Mesa by meeting their immediate needs and encouraging safe plans for their future.
Agency: Paz de Cristo Community Center
Program: Evening Meal Service
The homeless and working poor are welcomed at Paz de Cristo Community Center by volunteers each evening from 5:30 until 6:45 p.m. for a balanced, nutritious hot meal. During the hot summer months, Paz also serves as a community water station.
Agency: Salvation Army, The Mesa Corps
Program: The Salvation Army Social Services
Salvation Army social service programs help meet the basic needs of daily life for those without the resources to do so themselves. Often, the programs provide food, shelter, clothing, financial assistance to pay utilities, and other necessities based on the need.
Agency: United Food Bank
Program: Emergency & Supplemental Food Assistance Program
By providing emergency and supplemental food to a network of Mesa social service agencies to be used in their food assistance programs, the United Food Bank improves the health and well-being of hungry, food-insecure and at-risk Mesans.
