Our Story
In 2014, members of Christ Greenfield Lutheran Church began connecting with the homeless and working poor in downtown Mesa, AZ.
At the time, we thought we knew what they needed. We wanted to help.
We soon realized we needed to listen. We needed to create relationships.
Meals together were the perfect environment for this to happen.
La Mesa was born.
What began as simple meals together quickly grew into something extraordinary. We created relationships with each other. Hope began to be restored. Loneliness was replaced with love. Those stuck in cycles of addiction and poverty began to find avenues to create a brighter future. A community began to take shape through which miracles could happen.
La Mesa means “The Table.” We’ve discovered the great joy of simply connecting with one another and enjoying a meal right in the midst of our brokenness, life struggles, and pain. Everything grows from connection, conversation, and, ultimately, an empowering community.
Jesus spoke quite a lot about eating together. He turned ordinary meals into life-changing events. He sent out his followers to share meals with the poor and create spaces where everyone could encounter God’s love.
This is the heart of La Mesa. Everyone is welcome at the table.
We envision communities where systemic poverty does not exist, loneliness is no longer the only option, homelessness is only a matter of choice, and the working poor find avenues to create prosperous futures for their families.
Our meals are just the beginning. What happens at the table is creating a transformed community of empowered Mesa locals who work, laugh, love, and serve together to change the future of Mesa and beyond.
Welcome to “La Mesa” – welcome to The Table – where you will discover acceptance, belonging, dignity, and hope.
Hope Happens Here!
Vision, Values, & Mission
Our Vision
We see a future where systemic poverty does not exist, loneliness is no longer the only option, homelessness is only a matter of choice, and the working poor find avenues to create prosperous futures for their families.
Our vision is to plant transformative La Mesa communities throughout the Phoenix valley that empower the homeless and working poor to create healthy, prosperous futures together.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create Christ-centered communities among the homeless and working poor that bring hope, dignity, and positive life transformation. Welcome to La Mesa. Hope happens here!
Partners
St. Joseph the Worker
St. Joseph the Worker helps individuals return to the workforce and become self-sufficient, productive members of society.
Call 602-755-5627 or https://sjwjobs.org/employ/employment-services/
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest
INTERFAITH HOMELESS EMERGENCY LODGING PROGRAM
480-396-3795 or https://www.lss-sw.org/emergency-services
Christ Greenfield Church
La Mesa was birthed out of Christ Greenfield, and to this day enjoys a close relationship and support from this church.
Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church
Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church
1337 W. 11th Street Tempe, Arizona (480)-967-2660
Partner since 2022.
Circle the City
Serving the La Mesa community every Tuesday and Thursday
Learn More Here!
Midwest Food Bank of Arizona
Providing Food and Drinks for Tuesday, Thursday and for the Mobile Loaves Food Truck.
