Pre-applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (section 8) will be accepted for those seeking assistance in Mesa.
Pre-applications will be accepted online from October 11 at 10 a.m. to October 13 at 5 p.m. City of Mesa officials said the applications will only be accepted online.
Officials said this is the first time the waitlist for Section 8 tenants has opened up since May of 2013.
Housing officials with the city will be present at the following locations on October 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help those who may need assistance submitting applications:
- Paz de Cristo (424 W. Broadway Rd.) 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Tuesday; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday
- Goodwill Career Center at A New Leaf (635 E. Broadway Rd.) 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Department of Economic Security Mesa location in the Sunshine Room (120 W. 1st Ave.) 8 a.m. - 5p.m.
- Mesa Express Library - Power Square Mall (2055 S. Power Rd.) 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Mesa Public Library - Red Mountain (635 N. Power Rd.) 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Mesa Public Library - Dobson Ranch (2425 S. Dobson Rd.) 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Mesa Public Library - Main Library (64 E. 1st St.) 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Thousands are expected to apply, and if the wait list fills up, it can close earlier.
A mother of three knows the struggle of searching for affordable housing.
"It was kind of hard, I was in the shelter a couple years back,” said Capri Dean, a resident of the La Mesita Apartments in Mesa.
Now she's found affordable housing.
The La Mesita Apartments focus their help on getting homeless individuals back on their feet, but they also accept section 8 housing.
Councilmember Elect Ryan Winkle says there's a great need for more of this type of housing. He was at the La Mesita Apartment complex for a tour on Tuesday.
"Quality developments that give someone--basically it's a hand up, it's not a handout,” Winkle said.
