See The New West Valley Housing Assistance Center!

The Homeless population in Arizona has exploded since 2012, with unsheltered homelessness increasing by 62% these past ten years. Housing insecurity and homelessness are heightened by the lack of affordable housing, mental illness, addiction, domestic violence, and poverty. These are all new issues affecting the City of Surprise as it contends with ongoing growth.

In order to find a compassionate solution for families facing homelessness and housing insecurity, the City of Surprise partnered with A New Leaf to open a new family shelter. After breaking ground in October of 2022, the shelter units have now officially opened and are welcoming those in need.

“The opening of the West Valley Housing Assistance Center is a pivotal moment in A New Leaf’s journey to change lives and help families.” -Michael Hughes, CEO of A New Leaf

The opening of the West Valley Housing Assistance Center in Surprise will fundamentally transform how the West valley solves homelessness. We are deeply grateful to all of our partners, particularly the City of Surprise and Mayor Skip Hall. We eagerly look forward to working together to address future housing challenges.

The West Valley has historically been in desperate need of necessary resources for the families fighting homelessness. This brand new facility aims to address the critical issue of homelessness and housing insecurity in the West Valley region, providing vital resources, support, and advocacy for individuals and families in need of housing assistance.

The West Valley Housing Assistance Center offers seven unique apartment style units to families in need, giving them a chance to get off the street, find secure work, and ultimately save for a long term home or apartment. Each unit will be furnished similar to a home, making families feel safe, comfortable, and dignified. Meals will be offered three times per day at an onsite cafeteria, and a resource center offers residents the chance to be connected to additional services.

“This is a true partnership that will provide a hand up to those who want to create a better, more stable life for their families.” – Skip Hall, Mayor of Surprise

“I look forward to hearing the stories of hope and success that come out of this center,” said City of Surprise Mayor Skip Hall. “It’s also important to thank all of the government partners who made the building renovations possible and A New Leaf and its staff for the heart they have to serve the community.”

The resource center offers support for families experiencing homelessness, workforce services to assist adults in finding work, and acts as a West Valley entry point for households to be assessed for shelter or housing assistance. The center also helps provide transportation assistance and connections to other community resources. By offering a comprehensive range of services, A New Leaf aims to empower and uplift families in need, promoting stability, and fostering a pathway towards long-term self-sufficiency.

Every family seeking shelter is provided with a private unit where parents can lock a door and feel safe with their children. This allows families to stay together as they overcome homelessness.