Google invests $50K in Mesa nonprofit serving families experiencing homelessness

House of Refuge recently announced a $50,000 collaboration with Google that will create new opportunities for families experiencing homelessness through housing, technology, education and workforce development.

The investment is to establish two Google Opportunity Labs, support professional training and certifications and strengthen existing programs that help families achieve long-term stability and independence, according to a release.

At the heart of the collaboration is the creation of Google Opportunity Labs, two dedicated learning environments designed to provide parents and teens with access to technology, digital literacy resources, career exploration and workforce development opportunities.

The initiative reflects a shared commitment to removing barriers to economic opportunity and equipping families with the tools and skills needed to build brighter futures.

“At House of Refuge, we know that providing a safe place to call home is just the beginning,” said Kayla Kolar, Chief Executive Officer of House of Refuge. “Our goal is to equip families with the resources, confidence and opportunities they need to achieve lasting independence. This collaboration with Google allows us to take an exciting step forward by bringing new technology and workforce development resources directly to the families we serve.”

For more than 30 years, House of Refuge has served families experiencing homelessness in the East Valley, providing transitional housing and wraparound services that help families move toward independence.

Each year, the organization serves approximately 150 families, with children making up more than half of the individuals in its program. Families may remain at House of Refuge for up to one year while working toward employment, financial stability, educational advancement and permanent housing.

Google Opportunity Labs will be established in two locations on the House of Refuge campus to enhance these existing services by introducing new technology and learning opportunities. One will be within the organization’s Employment & Education Center, serving adult residents, while the second will focus on career exploration, digital literacy, and workforce readiness for teens.

“At Google, we believe that access to technology, digital skills and strong support systems can open doors to transformative economic opportunities,” said Allyson Eastman, senior manager of community and workforce development at Google. “House of Refuge does incredible work empowering families in their greatest times of need, and we are proud to support their mission. By establishing the Google Opportunity Labs, we hope to provide both adults and teens in Mesa with the tools, training, and resources they need to gain new skills, pursue rewarding careers and achieve lasting independence.”

Go to houseofrefuge.org.