Inside House of Refuge Mesa: A Community Built on Second Chances
By Blair Ballin, Founder of Living North Phoenix
A Different Kind of Community
House of Refuge Mesa: A Community That Empowers Families with Second Chances
“I can ride my bike bump free,” said the little boy who was able to finally ride his bike through the newly asphalted roads of the House of Refuge Community.
Tucked away in the heart of Mesa is a place that doesn’t just offer shelter—it offers a fresh start.
House of Refuge is a nonprofit housing program that provides transitional housing and wraparound support to families facing homelessness. But more than that, it creates a real sense of community, stability, and dignity—something many people lose long before they lose a roof over their head. And what aligns with we at Living North Phoenix do.
I recently had I had the honor and privilege of meeting with Jacqueline Cruz, Chief Development Officer of House of Refuge and being given a tour of this amazing program.
What I saw wasn’t just buildings—it was hope in motion; Families being given the tools to succeed; Adults conquering homelessness to having full time jobs and careers; To past residents becoming so successful and honored through the House of Refuge Program by having a home in their name.
It left an impression—and it’s time more people knew about the impact they’re making.
What Is House of Refuge?
House of Refuge in Mesa is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing safe, stable housing and comprehensive support services for families transitioning out of crisis. The campus sits on the grounds of the former Williams Air Force Base, with more than 80 individual homes that serve as transitional housing units. They are also near the site of the brand new ASU Manufacturing Building (a true sight to see).
Unlike shelters, House of Refuge gives families a longer runway to rebuild their lives. And they do it in a way that fosters empowerment, not dependency.
Who They Serve
House of Refuge focuses on serving homeless families with minor children. Most residents have experienced job loss, eviction, domestic violence, or other major disruptions. 80% of residents are main occupants are single moms.
What sets House of Refuge apart is its commitment to serving entire families—not just individuals—so kids can stay with their parents and avoid the instability of being split up or placed in the foster system.
Every resident is required to:
- Be drug and alcohol-free
- Be willing to work or actively seek employment
- Participate in life skills and financial literacy programs
- Follow the rules of a safe and structured community
This framework creates a culture of respect, accountability, and growth. And each home must pay $400/month. That shows their commitment and House of Refuge demonstrates theirs.
It’s Not Just Housing—It’s a Support System
The housing at House of Refuge is just the beginning. Families are connected to:
- Case managers who help them set goals, access resources, and stay on track
- Employment coaching to build resumes, improve job skills, and connect to local employers
- Financial literacy programs that help families break cycles of debt or financial instability
- Parenting support and access to education for children
There’s also an on-campus donation center and boutique where families can “shop” for clothing, home items, and essentials—restoring dignity to the process of receiving help.
The Power of Stability for Kids
One of the most moving aspects of House of Refuge is its focus on children’s well-being. When families arrive, many kids have bounced between homes, schools, or shelters—often experiencing emotional and academic setbacks.
At House of Refuge, families are placed in their own home. Kids have a quiet place to sleep, a safe neighborhood to play, and the chance to attend a nearby elementary school consistently. For many, this is the first time they’ve felt secure in years.
Studies continue to show that housing stability is directly linked to school performance, mental health, and long-term success for children. House of Refuge is living proof of that.
Community Involvement: How You Can Help
This isn’t a mission they take on alone. Community involvement is the lifeblood of House of Refuge. They lost their federal funding in 2016 (perhaps a blessing in disguise) but need private funding for each home and everything they have: from volunteer days to corporate partnerships, there are countless ways to get involved:
- Sponsor a home: Businesses or individuals can adopt a home and help maintain it for a year
- Donate gently used clothing or furniture to support families moving in or transitioning out
- Host a drive for hygiene items, school supplies, or holiday gifts
- Volunteer your time—whether it’s helping with maintenance, teaching a skill, or organizing donations
- Offer employment opportunities for residents looking to rebuild their income and resume
If you’re a business owner, a local leader, or just someone looking to make a real difference in the East Valley—House of Refuge is a partner worth knowing. You can also adopt a home, and participate in their Big Gala in March: Night of A Million Dreams.
And don’t forget that you can also help pack their food pantry and/or clothing room, where residents have a large variety to choose from.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Jacqueline informed me 89% of residents graduate to self sufficency and financial literacy–WOW!!! Imagine that you have almost 90% of residents who enter your program and leave/graduate with tools they didn’t otherwise have. Amazing!
And so much of this is accomplished through their Community Center; where classes are offered, help is provided and guidance to success is right there for all residents.
Final Thoughts: Why This Matters
Back to the boy who rode the bike. When I heard this story, it truly left an impression. These are kids, adults, families–facing a horrible situation–homelessness; one with many bumps in their own road.
And through the donations of local contractors as well as their time, the Community now had their own fresh paved streets.
Living North Phoenix might be in North Phoenix. This might be in Mesa. We are all Community. Our goals are all the same–to help others thrive, to get back up. House of Refuge truly helps you overcome the bumps in your road.
Learn More or Get Involved
Volunteer on a weekend, host a drive, show up to the Gala. Efforts don’t always have to be monetary. If they can be monetary, sponsor a Home.
And together, let’s remove those bumps from the roads to help make the journey a little less bumpy.