Mercy House Community Center is in the heart of the community of Avondale (Cashion) and has been at the heart of helping the homeless and hungry, individuals, seniors, families and children in need for more than 30 years. 

The leader of Mercy House, Mercy Arrendondo told Northeast Valley News, “The goal of the Mercy House is for the young people to change the generational habits that their parents had. Drugs and gangs.” 

She explained the challenges of a growing number of kids and young people who are failing school. 

According to Arrendondo, one of the main reasons for this—they did not know how to read. 

“So, I started reaching out to kids, teaching them,” Arrendondo said. 

When asked about success stories, one of the staff, Christina Diaz Bracero said, “Every kid that graduated from high school is a success story for Mercy House.” 

Bracero told Northeast Valley News, “Our school district is working hard. Just knowing they have extra support because some parents don’t even speak English. So, Mercy has made that available. That was always our first goal—education.” 

Arrendondo wanted people to know they accept donated school supplies and encouraged people to drop them off at any time. 

Working during the holidays for Mercy House means they must end some programs early as the classrooms become filled with gifts for a large Christmas event. 

“It’s lots of shopping, and then whatever donations we get—I still have to buy more gifts,” Bracero said. 

Mercy House receives help from the community wherever they can. 

“I feel like last year we were blessed. We had five different places that were able to put toy drives together for us,” Bracero said. 

Arrendondo told Northeast Valley News, about many of the kids that grew up in Mercy House have now come back to lend a helping hand for the next generation of kids. 

Still, the holidays bring more need. 

“People could be donating, not just toys but toothpaste and toothbrushes. Any hygiene products for these kids,” Bracero said. 

“New toys preferably and gently used clothes. Seasonally we do need throw blankets.”

An upcoming event for Mercy House will be the Santa and Car Club event on Saturday Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. 

Every other Saturday of the month, Mercy House also gives out food boxes. 

The American Legion Riders, Revelation Post 5., Broken Chains, and the AZ Motorcycle Riders are all the car and bike groups that will be present at the event on the Dec. 20. 

What can the community do to help Mercy House?

“We are a non-profit, so we are always looking for financial resources,” Bracero said. 

Arrendondo credits Mercy House as to why she gets up every morning— to work with the kids. 

She says it’s how she gives back. 

“To love people no matter what their situation is, that’s the key,” Bracero said. 

For more information and to donate visit Mercy House Community Center website.