Maricopa County Human Services Department Honored With 15 National Association of Counties Achievement Awards
June 2023
Maricopa County’s Human Services Department has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence and innovation by capturing 15 prestigious National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards.
The Human Services Department provides a variety of services to support the people experiencing adversity the most in the county. These services include:
· Affordable housing construction collaborations to build new affordable rentals
· Community development projects, including water infrastructure projects
· Early childhood education including Head Start and Early Head Start
· Emergency rent and utility assistance
· Home repair services for health, safety, and energy efficiency
· Homelessness street outreach, emergency shelter, and rapid rehousing
· Services for seniors and adults with disabilities
· Shelter construction collaborations to expand the region’s shelter bed capacity
· Workforce development and training services for youth and adults
“Winning 15 NACo Achievement Awards is a remarkable accomplishment for our Human Services Department. It reinforces Maricopa County’s commitment to providing comprehensive support to underserved populations and communities,” said Human Services Director Jacqueline Edwards. “This recognition motivates us to continue innovative work to improve access to critical resources, promote equity, and enhance the well-being of individuals and families throughout Maricopa County.”
The projects honored with the 2023 NACo Achievement Awards include:
1. Apprenticeships Expand Career Opportunities, Skilled Worker Pipeline
2. Bill of Rights Set Expectations for Client, Case Managers
3. City & Town Partnerships Localize Workforce Services in Maricopa County
4. Emergency Home Repair Program Helps Maricopa County Homeowners in Need
5. Fresh Approach to Annual Report Records History, Boosts Transparency
6. Hand in Hand Homelessness Street Outreach Program Extends Connections
7. Head Start Recruitment Efforts Undergo Digital Transformation
8. HSD Dynamics Transforms Human Services Operations
9. Landlord Engagement Expands Housing Options for People Exiting Homelessness
10. Learning Academy Tiered Training
11. Nurse Practice Readiness Program
12. Optimized Website Helps Residents Find Help Faster
13. Partnership Prepares EVIT Students for Education Careers
14. Regional Collaboration Facilitates $200 in Million Emergency Rental Assistance
15. Spanish Translation Workgroup Expands Access to Programs Information
The county’s Human Services Department rose to the challenge of providing critical services during the COVID-19 pandemic such as providing shelter and services to those experiencing homelessness. As the focus changed from fighting the illness to regaining a sense of normalcy, the department once again pivoted quickly to administer hundreds of millions of dollars to ensure support programs were in place to allow children to get back in classrooms so parents could return to work. When inflation decimated family budgets, Human Services once again rose to meet another new challenge by helping families and seniors on tight budgets with rental assistance and ensuring they have working heat and air conditioning.
“I’m extremely proud of the staff for their demonstrated exceptional dedication to serving individuals and families in crisis and making a positive difference in challenging times,” Edwards added.
The Maricopa County Human Services efforts honored with this national recognition can be viewed at Maricopa.gov/HSDCases.
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.
