Community Development Application Process FY 23/24

The City of Mesa is hosting a kick-off meeting for agencies interested in applying for federal and local funding used for human services programs and housing and community development activities that primarily benefit low-and-moderate income persons. City of Mesa’s Interdepartmental Offices who are interested in applying for federal funds are also welcome to attend a separate scheduled funding orientation. The meetings will be held in the month of October 2022. Specific date, times, and location to be determined and published on the City's website, Housing and Community Development page. The sessions will cover the application process, funding sources, eligibility requirements, City Council priorities and ZoomGrants application software. For more information please visit https://www.mesaaz.gov/residents/community-development/apply-for-funding or contact Michele Payakovich, Housing and Community Development Coordinator at michele.payakovich@mesaaz.gov or 480-644-2769.

Waitlist Opening for Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

August 17, 2022 @ 10:00 am through August 30, 2022 @ 5:00 pm

(Arizona Standard Time)

The City of Mesa Housing Authority will be accepting pre-applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8). This will be a fully web-based pre-application process. An online pre-application is available in English and Spanish. 4,000 pre-applications will be placed on the waiting list by random selection (“lottery”) by preference. Selected pre-applicants will be placed on the Housing Choice Voucher waitlist. Pre-applicants not selected will be notified and will have to reapply at another time. All applicants are subject to regulations and policies governing City of Mesa Housing Authority.

Alternate formats of the pre-application are available only for those who require special assistance. For more information, please see Instructions for Persons with Disabilities and Persons with Limited English.

Who can apply:  All families and individuals may apply.

How to apply: Pre-applications will be accepted online beginning Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at 10:00 am Arizona Standard Time THROUGH August 30, 2022, at 5:00 pm Arizona Standard Time. 

1. Complete the pre-application online at mesaaz.gov/hcvwaitlist
2. The deadline to complete the pre-application is August 30, 2022, by 5:00 pm Arizona Standard Time.

Computer/Internet Access: Applications can be completed on any computer, tablet, or smartphone with Internet access. Free computer access is available at the following locations, (check for location hours):

** Housing Staff will be available at these locations on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm to assist with submitting pre-applications. The library locations all have ADA computer for persons with disabilities.

 If you need transportation, please contact Valley Metro for assistance (602) 253-5000 or TTY (602) 251-2039. Persons with disabilities can request transportation through East Valley Dial A Ride at (480) 633-0101 or go to website at https://www.valleymetro.org/accessibility/dial-ride

Please visit the City of Mesa Housing website for further information and eligibility requirements.  www.mesaaz.gov/hcvwaitlist

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  The City of Mesa is committed to making its programs and services accessible. For accommodations such as paper applications for persons with disabilities, in braille, large print, or translation for persons speaking another language, please contact the Mesa Housing office at 480-644-5831 or email Hcvwaitinglist@mesaaz.gov, or AzRelay 7-1-1 for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. For more information, please see the Instructions for Persons with Disabilities and Persons with Limited English. 

Instructions for Persons with Disabilities and

Persons with Limited English

If you require special assistance such as:

• You are disabled or elderly and cannot complete the online pre-application
• You require translation services
• You require an accommodation for an alternate pre-application format (braille, large print)

For all requests, please contact the City of Mesa Housing at 480-644-5831 or hcvwaitinglist@mesaaz.gov. 

• A “Reasonable Accommodation” request form will be taken over the phone at any time beginning 10:00 am on August 17, 2022, and before 5:00 pm on August 28, 2022.
• Once your request is approved, you will be given the assistance requested.
  • If it is a request for a paper pre-application because of a disability, you will be given until August 30, 2022 @ 5:00 pm to submit the application.
  • Translation Services will be available on August 17, 2022, through 5:00 pm on August 30, 2022.

Onsite assistance is available on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at the locations listed below. Library computers include ADA computers.

If you need transportation, please contact Valley Metro for assistance (602) 253-5000 or TTY (602) 251-2039. Persons with disabilities can request transportation through East Valley Dial A Ride at (480) 633-0101 or go to website at https://www.valleymetro.org/accessibility/dial-ride

For questions, please contact Mesa Housing Authority at 480-644-5831 or hcvwaitinglist@mesaaz.gov.

Circle the City

Circle the City is a federally qualified healthcare organization. Their mission is to deliver innovative healthcare solutions to men, women, and children facing homelessness.  They currently have four mobile medical units to provide primary, preventative, and behavioral healthcare.  The mobile medical care program offers services in Mesa, reaching individuals in need at parks, permanent supportive housing complexes, social service and other community agencies.  The City of Mesa has awarded funding to Circle the City for FY 2022/23.

Photo courtesy of: Outpatient Care for Homeless Individuals | Circle the City

Salvation Army Heat Relief Program

The Salvation Army at 24 E. 6^th Street, currently offers Heat Relief daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Heat Relief will be available through Sept. 30th and provides support to our most vulnerable community members with indoor cooling, a bagged lunch, water, and a place to rest. The City of Mesa has partnered with the Salvation Army to expand the hours of the Salvation Army’s Heat Relief Program as part of the City’s Safe Summer Campaign.

“The City and Salvation Army staff are both seeing more people in need of shelter and a place to get out of the heat. That is why the Heat Relief Program is so important over the next few months,” said Natalie Lewis, Mesa Deputy City Manager.

People seeking heat relief also get hygiene kits donated by local faith-based organizations, assistance from Community Bridges navigators to help with health and recovery needs and on scheduled Tuesdays, a medical team from Circle the City to offer on-site primary medical care. The City of Mesa provides information on housing programs and hot weather safety tips for animals.

“The people who come in off the streets can’t exist outside in the heat. Our efforts give them an 8 to 9 hour break from it. You can see the relief on their faces. It’s truly a live-saving effort,” said Major Scott Ramsey,

The City of Mesa’s Safe Summer Campaign raises awareness about the importance of heat relief, water safety, monsoon preparation and other ways to stay safe this summer.

Repair My Home

The City of Mesa's Homeowner Rehab Program helps qualified residents repair and rehabilitate their homes using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.  The program eliminates health and safety issues, improves the livability of a house and brings it up to existing Housing Quality Standards set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The program benefits very low-, low-, and moderate-income families living within Mesa city limits.  Assistance is contingent on available funding.

If you would like to be placed on the Homeowner Rehab waiting list, please call 480-644-3208 or visit Repair my Home | City of Mesa (mesaaz.gov).  Your position on the waiting list depends on what your needs are and the condition of your home.

Eligibility Requirements

• The property to be rehabbed must be located within Mesa jurisdiction
• Must be owner-occupied for a minimum of one year
• The household must qualify at 80% of the area median income
• Priority is given to those who have not received assistance before

Any applicant currently on our waitlist who now has an emergency repair need should contact our office at 480-644-3208 or Neighsvs-Rehab@mesaaz.gov.

Gary's Corner

Many of you are most likely too young to remember the infamous song, “Here Comes the Sun” written and performed originally by the Beatles.  Here in Arizona leaving springtime in the rearview mirror is definitely “Here comes the Sun” time again.  We would like to offer you a few quick tips that can make your summer more bearable and less costly.  Changing your air filters from the paper style to the nylon style will increase your air flow volume and use less energy.  The resistance level is less with the nylon strand, but the efficiency of particulate capture is excellent and you  will also notice a quieter running system.   Making sure that nothing is on or near your outside compressor/condenser unit will also greatly enhance performance.  Changing out your light bulbs to LED light bulbs is well worth it!  Your AC unit is fighting the heating elements of the home and if you change out your light bulbs your AC will be able to win that battle with less energy.  It is also time to turn down your water heater.  Most default setting are 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.  Since the ambient air temperature outside is increasing you can save energy by turning your water heater down to 90-105 Fahrenheit and still enjoy the same hot water at less cost.   If you are feeling rambunctious you can purchase pipe or PEX (Polyurethane Pipe) insulation from your local hardware store to slip over your exposed pipes in the attic.  Your attic in the summertime can be 140 degrees +plus.  The pipe insulation will promote cooler water at the sink and into the ice maker system. If your AC system is older than 12 years you may want to have it evaluated by a licensed contractor.  The older units utilized a gas called Freon (R22).  The newer system utilizes (R410A).  The SEER (Energy Efficiency) rating is also important.  Any SEER rating under 12 can cost you an extra $150-$250 dollars a month in the summertime.  When considering a new system keep in mind that a minimum 14-16 SEER is what is recommended.  Additionally, most single-family homes in Maricopa County built more than 5 years ago have only one RA (Return Air).  Any new AC system should include a minimum of 2 RA (Return Air).  That is a savings of approximately  $1,000 per year off of your electric bill.  Our Rehabilitation program here at the City of Mesa provides Emergency services to income qualified homeowners.  Please contact our office if you would like to complete an application.  Our emergency services cover a range of quality-of-life issues such as, air conditioning systems, roof systems, electrical hazards, plumbing waste/vent/drainage systems, etc. Have a great summer and stay cool. Gary Ray, Housing Rehabilitation Specialist gary.ray@mesaaz.gov