Changing Lives Since 1996 – Our History

The House of Refuge story begins over 30 years ago when Williams Air Force Base in southeast Mesa was decommissioned in 1993. The Department of Health and Human Services invited members of the community to submit proposals to redevelop part of the site.

House of Refuge presented a proposal to help families experiencing homelessness by providing transitional housing and support programs. In 1995, House of Refuge acquired 88 two-bedroom homes, a chapel and an annexed office building from the Department of Health & Human Services. In 1996, the first family was accepted into the program, and House of Refuge has been changing lives ever since.