The city of Surprise and nonprofit organization A New Leaf announced the opening of the West Valley Housing Assistance Center, which will provide short-term shelter to families facing homelessness and housing insecurity.

This new facility, located at 12779 W. Grand Ave., offers seven apartment-style units. Families can stay up to four months, giving them a chance to get off the street, find secure work and ultimately save for a long-term home or apartment.

Each unit is furnished like a home, allowing families to feel safe, comfortable and dignified. Meals will be offered three times per day at an onsite cafeteria, and an adjacent resource center will offer residents the chance to connect to additional services.

The unsheltered homeless population in Arizona has increased by 62% over the past 10 years, and the West Valley has historically been in desperate need of resources for families fighting homelessness and housing insecurity.

“Celebrating 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,” said A New Leaf Chief Executive Officer Michael Hughes. “We wouldn’t have been able to create lasting change in our community without the unwavering support from the city of Surprise and Mayor Skip Hall. Together, we will build a brighter future for families in Surprise, one that fosters hope, stability, and empowerment for every family we serve.”

A New Leaf manages the programs and services provided at the center as part of a partnership with the city of Surprise. The city leased the center’s buildings and facilitated their renovation for this project thanks to funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Program, Arizona Department of Housing and an allocation of Maricopa County’s American Rescue Plan Act funds.

“This is a true partnership project that will provide a hand up to those who want to create a better, more stable life for their families,” said City of Surprise Mayor Skip Hall. “I look forward to hearing the stories of hope and success that come out of this center. 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.”

In addition to the new housing units, a New Leaf operates a resource center on the same site. The resource center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and offers support services for families experiencing homelessness, including employment and transportation assistance, and connections to additional community resources. The resource center also serves as a West Valley entry point where families can be assessed for shelter or housing assistance at other locations.

Arizona families and individuals seeking placement at a shelter or connection to housing resources may call the state’s centralized services number at 877-211-8661.

To reach the West Valley Housing Assistance Center directly, email WVHACinfo@turnanewleaf.org, or call 623-850-5611.

Anyone wanting to learn about the West Valley Housing Assistance Center may tour the facility from 11 a.m. to noon on select Fridays. Register for tours at turnanewleaf.org/wvtour.

For information on donating or volunteering, contact Susan Loper at sloper@turnanewleaf.org or call 480-464-4648.

To learn about A New Leaf, visit turnanewleaf.org.

To learn about social services provided by the city of Surprise, visit surpriseaz.gov/resourcecenter.