Thanks to community support, the Mesa-based House of Refuge has overcome its loss of Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding to remain in service for the area’s homeless families.

On May 2, 2016, the nonprofit organization, which offers support and transitional housing services, was notified that HUD would cease to fund transitional housing programs nationwide and retroactively, even though the group logged a high success rate.

Upon receiving the news, House of Refuge sought alternative funding by finding donors in the immediate area, account to an announcement.

“The community rallied and simply said ‘Not in our backyard,’” the Mesa Chamber of Commerce reported. “They would not allow this tragedy to play out in our community.”

According to the chamber, the faith-based service organization has recouped 70 percent of its operating expenses and hopes to increase its capacity fully before summertime’s harsh outdoor temperatures arrive.

“We are inviting families back into our life changing program, back into stable homes where a community has proven they truly care about every human being living within its borders,” Executive Director Nancy Marion said in the announcement. “Because of the support of the community families are safe and children have a place to call home … You have made a life changing difference in our community and we THANK YOU.”