Circle the City, a Phoenix‑based nonprofit, has expanded its mission to the East Valley with the opening of the East Valley Medical Respite Center in Mesa. The 85‑bed facility, located near Main Street and Higley Road, provides round‑the‑clock medical supervision for people experiencing homelessness who have been discharged from hospitals but lack a safe place to continue recovery.
Why a medical respite center matters
While the East Valley is home to several hospitals, there has historically been no dedicated space where unhoused patients could receive ongoing care after leaving acute care settings. Hospitals must prioritize the most critically ill, leaving many recovering patients to return to the streets where they risk relapse, infection or readmission. The new center fills that gap, allowing patients to heal in a supportive environment while they work toward permanent housing.
Services and amenities
The center offers a range of services designed to address both medical and social needs. Residents receive freshly prepared meals, behavioral health counseling, substance‑use treatment, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Private rooms and gender‑specific dormitories provide dignity and privacy, while case managers assist each individual in navigating housing resources, benefits and employment opportunities.
Leadership perspective
Dr. Kim Despres, Circle the City’s Chief Executive Officer, explained on Good Morning Arizona, “Hospitals aren’t able to hold onto patients all the time, because they have to get the really sick people in. So we work with all the hospitals, the skilled nurses facilities, all the doctors’ offices to get people here so they can recover and they’re not trying to recover on the street.” She added that the project took five years to complete, relying on donations and partnerships from the community.
Community involvement
Circle the City encourages local residents to support the center through monetary donations, volunteering, or by contributing hygiene products for its “Kindness Kits.” Those interested can learn more and give at circlethecity.org. The organization also invites community members to nominate other local nonprofits doing “something good” for future coverage.
Impact on the East Valley
By nearly doubling Circle the City’s respite capacity, the Mesa location is expected to reduce hospital readmissions, lower emergency‑room crowding and improve health outcomes for a vulnerable population. Local officials have praised the initiative as a practical solution that aligns with the region’s commitment to compassionate, faith‑based service and responsible stewardship of resources.
The East Valley Medical Respite Center opens its doors this week, marking a significant step forward in addressing homelessness‑related health challenges in Mesa and the surrounding communities.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
