At its Oct. 18 meeting, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved an agreement that provides $850,000 in funding for support services to people experiencing homelessness. The decision is part of a broader initiative the County has undertaken with the City of Surprise to address homelessness over the next 36 months.
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Clint Hickman, representing District 4, expressed his enthusiasm about the power of collaboration, stating, "This partnership reflects our commitment to tackling homelessness by joining forces with partners like the City of Surprise.” Hickman shares, “We will make a real difference in the lives of our most vulnerable residents because this collaboration is more than just an exchange of funds; it's a comprehensive effort to create a better future for those in need.”
This collaborative effort will fund resources to address homelessness, including:
- A Homeless Coordinator at the City of Surprise to manage partnerships, including serving as the primary point of contact for the city to participate in Maricopa County’s Hand in Hand.
- Participation in IHELP, the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program that provides timely access to emergency shelter, sleeping space, and meals offered by faith communities to adults experiencing homelessness.
- Participation in (WVHAC), the newly constructed West Valley Housing Assistance Center, a shelter program in Surprise that provides housing assistance to families experiencing homelessness.
This joint initiative is funded with $600,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and an additional $250,000 in Maricopa County General Funds (GF).
Fiscal Year 2024: $350,000
- $100,000 for IHELP Shelter Service (ARPA)
- $50,000 for the Homeless Coordinator (GF)
- $200,000 for the West Valley Housing Assistance Center (WVHAC) (GF)
Fiscal Year 2025: $250,000
- $50,000 for the Homeless Coordinator (ARPA)
- $200,000 for the West Valley Housing Assistance Center (ARPA)
Fiscal Year 2026: $250,000
- $50,000 for the Homeless Coordinator (ARPA)
- $200,000 for the West Valley Housing Assistance Center (ARPA)
The broader partnership with the City of Surprise is one of many ways that Maricopa County is working to develop comprehensive services to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness. For a complete listing of Maricopa County’s investments in homelessness solutions, visit Maricopa.gov/HS.
About Maricopa County Human Services
The Maricopa County Human Services Department (HSD) builds resiliency in the community and promotes the well-being of County residents experiencing adversity through a variety of programs and services to help people and families thrive. These opportunities include early childhood education, housing, homeownership, independent living services for seniors and adults with disabilities, career development for job seekers with barriers to employment, crisis rental, and utility assistance, and support for people experiencing homelessness. HSD is committed to delivering innovative, equitable, inclusive, and comprehensive services in a collaborative approach that preserves dignity, promotes respect, and facilitates social and economic mobility. Learn more about the financial, educational, and support resources available to Maricopa County residents at Maricopa.gov/HSD.