County, State Collaborate to Provide $1.4 Million in Homeless Support Services

Maricopa County and the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) are joining forces in a collaborative effort to provide comprehensive support for individuals facing homelessness. This partnership strengthens and streamlines homeless services, ensuring a more unified approach to serving the community and improving the lives of vulnerable individuals.

Through this partnership, DES will provide $1,445,832 in funding for Maricopa County to administer, aligning efforts and fostering a shared vision for delivering homeless services. The funding is comprised of $722,916 in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) and $722,916 from various sources such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) as well as State Lottery and State Homeless funds.

“By working together, we can leverage resources, expertise, and coordination to make a greater impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness,” said Maricopa County’s Human Services Director, Jacqueline Edwards. “Maricopa County is pleased to partner with DES to provide immediate and long-term solutions to ensure that every individual in our community has access to safe housing and the support they need to exit homelessness sustainably.”

DES selected Maricopa County’s Human Services Department to administer these funds for its demonstrated history of innovative homelessness program development, effective resource utilization, and efficient management of multiple projects. These include emergency shelter, street outreach, rapid rehousing funding shelter operations with non-profit partners, and the development of wraparound services and permanent housing solutions.

“Maricopa County continues to be an incredible partner of DES, and this effort is just the latest investment to help shelter individuals experiencing homelessness,” said DES Director Angie Rodgers. “We look forward to ongoing collaboration as we continue to improve outcomes and place individuals into housing and onto paths toward long-term sustainability.”

The Agreement between Maricopa County and DES will be effective from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, allowing for a sustained effort in addressing the complex challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness.

The specific emergency shelter, street outreach, and rapid rehousing projects that will utilize this funding will be announced following the June 14 meeting of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

For more information on investments made by Maricopa County on homelessness, visit Maricopa.gov/HS, and to learn more about services available from the Arizona Department of Economic Security, visit DES.az.gov.