Mesa briefs council on heat‑relief funding, street outreach and plan to move 'Off the Streets' shelter to new site

Deputy Director Lindsay Balenke told the City Council that Community Services is asking for a mix of one‑time and ongoing funds to sustain heat‑relief services, extend street outreach and transition the city’s emergency shelter program to a new property.

Balenke said the Office of Homeless Solutions is requesting a one‑time allocation of $89,800 to support heat‑relief operations next summer and to expand transportation, outreach materials and a portable air conditioning loan program. “This is a one‑time request for $89,800,” she said. The department reported the portable air‑conditioner loan program served 56 households last summer.

The department also described an intergovernmental agreement with Maricopa County Public Health to fund the primary heat‑relief center at Resurrection Street Ministries. Staff said the site can serve up to 50 people and will continue to operate through 2026 under the county IGA.…