The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors at its Dec. 6, 2023, meeting approved an agreement to provide $67,500 in funding for support services that will benefit people experiencing homelessness in the Northwest Valley. The decision is the latest step in a broader effort by the county to work with the cities of El Mirage and Surprise to address homelessness.

“By working with El Mirage and Surprise, we are strategically pooling our resources to create a measurable impact. Our joint goal is to ensure that people in need have access to critical services and paths to stability.” ”

As part of this regional collaboration, Maricopa County has established a street assistance program known as “Hand in Hand.” The program searches for and contacts people experiencing homelessness in designated county areas. Trained outreach staff work with these individuals to connect them with homeless services coordinators in each city.

Coordinators serve as a conduit to help people in need seamlessly access city services and county resources, including employment and housing options and community programs to address mental health and substance use.

Under the agreement, Maricopa County will provide $17,500 to the City of El Mirage and $50,000 to the City of Surprise. This funding is part of the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) budget allocated to Maricopa County.

Since March 2023, Maricopa County has invested more than $5.2 million in the West Valley for services to help individuals and families plan their way out of homelessness. Key investments include:

For a comprehensive overview of Maricopa County's investments in homelessness countywide, visit Maricopa.gov/HS.