[Excerpt by Joe Rubio, National Co-Director, Industrial Areas Foundation] Lament demands a response. In John’s gospel for this Sunday, we find the passage where collectively expressed grief makes such a claim. “Jesus wept” is often cited as the shortest biblical verse, but it may also be the most poignant. The scripture recounts the story just prior to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem when he learns that his beloved friend Lazarus is ailing in Bethany.... 

Mesa faith and community leaders with Valley Interfaith Project (VIP) are pressing the City Council to complete the final step needed to open the Sunaire Hotel as transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness. Gathering outside City Hall, clergy and residents called on the council to approve the contract needed to furnish the renovated hotel so Mesa’s Off the Streets program can move into the facility — expanding a program that has already helped thousands of residents regain stability. The project, first approved by the council in 2023, is now close to completion. But after a recent recall election brought a new councilmember onto the council, the final vote needed to furnish the building was removed from the agenda, raising questions about the timeline for opening the site. VIP leaders say they will continue organizing with faith institutions and residents to ensure the city follows through on the investment already made. For VIP housing leaders, the path forward is clear. “It’s the right thing to do both morally and financially,” said Heidi Thomas, a Mesa resident and VIP housing leader, urging the council to complete the work already underway. Advocates for Transitional Housing Project in Mesa Push for Completion, ABC15 [pdf] Mesa Must Move Ahead with Homeless Hotel Plan, Faith Leaders Say, Arizona Republic [pdf]  Church, Civic Leaders Urge Mesa to Spare Hotel, Mesa Tribune [pdf]