Phoenix Rescue Mission and the city of Mesa have partnered to provide aid to those experiencing homelessness in Mesa.
The new program will run until the end of June 2025 and will address housing, transportation and access to important seasonal items to help combat the heat.
Nathan Smith with Phoenix Rescue Mission said the program won’t die down when the weather cools off. Smith said the most important thing is getting people off the streets, no matter the time of year.
"That’s still the most important thing for us to do when it’s December," Smith said. "It’s not going to necessarily beat the heat, it’ll beat the cold at that point, that’s also super important."
Smith said they hope this collaboration will lead to more partnerships with cities across the greater Phoenix area.
Lindsey Balinki, deputy director of Mesa Community Services, says Phoenix Rescue Mission has already gotten to work.
“They have hit the ground running in Mesa and really already are starting to create great results and really build rapport with our community," Balinki said.
