Mesaâs pandemic relief efforts combined millions in federal dollars, a redeployed army of city employees and a strong network of non-profit organizations to aid thousands of people in different ways.
But the once powerful outreach from Mesa CARES has run out of gas, leaving behind a patchwork of programs to help the needy while a second wave of COVID-19 rages through Arizona.
âItâs kind of a work in progress,ââ Deputy City Manager Natalie Lewis. âWe spent all the dollars. They are no longer available.ââ
She said the funding expired at the end of December and Mesa will not need to return any money to federal officials because âthe entire amount was invested in eligible programs and services.ââÂ