The ground has officially been broken for the new West Valley Housing Assistance Center in Surprise.

An estimated 100 community leaders attended the event, including Mayor Skip Hall.

The program, which is a partnership with the Arizona Department of Housing, the city of Surprise, and A New Leaf, is currently providing support services for families facing homelessness. The groundbreaking initiated the construction of apartments for families from Surprise and the West Valley for temporary housing until long-term housing can be provided.

A New Leaf, in partnership with the city of Surprise and the Arizona Department of Housing, recently opened the West Valley Housing Assistance Center at 12779 Grand Ave. The center provides support services for as many as approximately 600 households in danger of homelessness annually, including case management, Rapid ReHousing enrollment, employment assistance, benefits enrollment, budget coaching, transportation assistance and referrals to outside resources.

This program began in response to alarming data published by the Maricopa Association of Governments regarding homelessness in the area. From 2020 to 2022, Peoria saw a 39% increase, Surprise saw a 59% rise, and Glendale and Sun City experienced triple digit increases at 139% and 167%, respectively.

To further address this crisis situation, A New Leaf is bringing the new family homeless shelter onsite at the West Valley Housing Assistance Center.

These seven apartment-style units, expected to be completed in early summer of 2023, will provide a 60- to 120-day stay, daily meals for residents, onsite support, and will serve approximately 150 children and adults a year.

Visit turnanewleaf.org/services/housing-and-shelter/west-valley-housingassistance-center.