Hand in Hand Street Outreach Program Extends Connections to Services

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

Maricopa County Human Services Department has launched the Hand in Hand Street Outreach program, which aims to provide essential outreach services to people experiencing homelessness in unincorporated* and targeted communities of Maricopa County. The program operates up to seven days a week depending on the region. The program's primary objective is to identify locations where unsheltered people are camping. A trained outreach team goes to these areas to build rapport with people experiencing homelessness and offer a connection to housing and other wraparound services. In addition to immediate shelter, providing essential relief from Arizona’s weather, Hand in Hand participants are offered access to housing services, food and benefit programs, mental and physical health services, substance use treatment, case management, transportation, employment, and long-term care. The program's comprehensive approach helps address the root causes of homelessness, including mental health and substance use issues.