The City of Mesa has kicked off a celebration for the golden anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), a program that's been pouring resources into the city since 1974. For five decades, these grants have been critical in shoring up housing conditions and providing individuals a leg up in the quest for economic stability.

Within the past five years alone, Mesa has been bolstered by more than $22 million in CDBG funds, according to details from a recent announcement. Despite the pandemic creating hurdles, the program steadily dished out housing aid, capital upgrades for communal amenities, and vital services to help Mesa's underserved residents make ends meet.

Michelle Albanese, Mesa's Housing and Community Development Director, spoke of the program's significance, "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."

Various non-profit organizations have been on the receiving end of grants, including Community Development Block Grants and the HOME Investment Partnership Program, all geared towards enhancing Mesa's living conditions. These groups, namedropping the likes of the East Valley Men's Emergency Shelter and Community Legal Services, have seen a cool $8.5 million in HOME funds since 2019 funneled into housing projects.

A New Leaf, another organization in the mix, heaped praises on the city for its aid. "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," Faviola Chavez, Director of Real Estate at A New Leaf, touted in her comments given to Mesa's City News.

This landmark event underscores Mesa's commitment to harnessing federal monies to energize its urban landscape and reinforce the social fabric that keeps this community thriving.