Six contracts worth $1.3 million will be applied toward specific ways for Maricopa County to effectively manage area homelessness through coordinated resources like rapid rehousing and emergency shelters.

“By coordinating these services with dedicated and experienced local partners, Maricopa County has positioned itself as a regional leader on this complex issue,” board of supervisors Chairman Denny Barney of District 1 said in a press release.

Within the Maricopa County Human Services Department, the division of housing and community development will administer these contracts, which are focused on areas outside the immediate downtown district. The funding will provide shelter for more than 1,700 individuals over the next year as well as medical respite and housing placement referrals and support, according to the release.

Agencies and nonprofits extending help include A New Leaf, Circle the City, Native American Connections, AZCEND (formerly Chandler Christian), Lutheran Social Services and Community Bridges Inc., several of which target populations in the East and West Valley areas.

The effective handling of homelessness necessitates a clear perspective on the connections between housing, mental health, the justice system and support sources, the release said.

“Maricopa County is developing linkages between programs using proven approaches to provide solutions,” Bruce Liggett, director of the Maricopa County Human Services Department, said.