Mesa Community Action Network Incorporated

Mesa Community Action Network (mesacan) is a Community Action program subsidiary of a new leaf, serving more than 8,000 low-income individuals and families in Mesa annually. Mesacan is both committed and responsive to meeting the needs of economically-disadvantaged individuals and families through a comprehensive array of client-centered programs and services. (continued on schedule o).services include emergency rent, mortgage and utility financial assistance, home weatherization assistance, broadband resources, case management, benefits enrollment, information and referral, workforce development, financial coaching, economic development for small business, volunteer income tax assistance (vita), post-secondary match savings program, and onsite Community resources such as wic and snap offices. Mesacan partners with public, private and other social sector organizations, and relevant services are co-located. This collaborative approach effectively mobilizes solutions for easy access to meet the needs of households in crisis.financial assistance is available to low-income households through multiple services, including rent and utility assistance to those facing eviction and utility assistance to households facing utility shut-off. Case managers assist with applying for public benefits, such as ssi/ssdi. An onsite basic needs pantry provides low-income households with diaper distribution, food boxes, hygiene bags, and other basic needs. Financial coaching services to support households to establish a budget, learn how to save and pay off debt, and learn how to improve credit weatherization services offer low-income homeowners in Mesa assistance with home improvements designed to make their home more energy efficient and reduce the cost of utilities. The program provides long-term results by identifying the cause of the high utility bills and repairing those problem areas. Workforce services helps all job seekers, including those recovering from a crisis situation, secure employment or create a plan for more stable employment.

Assets to opportunity directly serves approximately 60 low-income individuals each year, assisting them with overcoming barriers to economic mobility, obtaining the resources and skills necessary to navigate higher education or small business development, and identifying and utilizing other resources for building long-term financial health. Asset building programs have been shown to move people out of poverty by developing sound money management practices and by planning for long-term success.

Weatherization services offers low-income home owners in Mesa, assistance with home improvements designed to make their home more energy efficient and reduce the cost of utilities. The program provides long-term results by identifying the cause of the high utility bills and repairing those problem areas.

Mesacan donated $293,650 in bingo proceeds to a new leaf, inc. for the benefit of the east valley men's center, a homeless shelter for men.volunteer income tax assistance (vita) program is a powerful anti-poverty and Community asset development program, offering free tax preparation services for low- to moderate-income households (those generally making $60,000 or less), persons with disabilities, seniors, and limited english-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. Households are assisted in accessing the full amount of tax credits for which they are eligible, without losing hundreds of dollars in paid preparer fees. This valuable service allows households to offset debt, increase savings, acquire needed assets, and build economic stability. Vita services make a positive impact in the lives of approximately 3,500 low-income households each year and return more than $4,500,000 in tax refunds to local communities.