The Sun Cities shine brightly in District 4, and it’s a top priority of mine to protect the beautiful communities that residents have created and love so much — Unfortunately, the pandemic has created financial hardships for members of our community and some people have even found themselves homeless.

My colleagues and I are supporting economic recovery county wide by targeting dollars to help people who are most in need. Using federal funds, our Human Services Department provides rent and utility assistance to thousands of residents, which reduces the risk they will become homeless.

We also provide a wide variety of services aimed at helping people end their homelessness by connecting them with jobs, health and mental health care, and other support services.

In fact, the board recently approved the single biggest investment in county history to address homelessness. Using American Rescue Plan Act funds, we will be funding 350 new shelter beds along with additional rapid rehousing efforts and case management to keep those who have previously been homeless from going back to the streets.

This is an investment that will benefit the entire community.

In the Sun Cities and neighboring communities, our work on the issue of homelessness depends on strong partnerships with cities, towns, faith-based groups and nonprofits. In just the past few years, we have:

• Partnered with the city of Surprise to provide a rotating shelter and meal service (iHelp) across churches and other facilities within the region
• Coordinated Community Bridges Inc. to provide shelter and support services to people experiencing homelessness in the West Valley, including the Sun Cities
• Conducted three community presentations regarding homelessness in the Sun Cities (Sept. 15 and 29 and Nov. 2, 2021)
• Worked with the Sun City Posse to arrange for signage discouraging panhandling at several locations in Sun City
• Completed the first ever Point-in-Time Count for those experiencing homelessness in Sun City and Sun City West
• Engaged 187 individuals through outreach efforts in the northwest Valley since the beginning of the pandemic.

If you know someone experiencing homelessness, you may consider directing them to shelter services provided by the city of Surprise and the faith community just four miles from Sun City (12425 W. Bell Rd. Suite 124; 623-222-1659) as well as Community Referral and Resource Centers for veterans (602-248-6040).

Outreach teams are also available through nonprofit partner Community Bridges Access to Care line at 623-931-1114.

Would you like to help us assist the less fortunate?

It is the season of giving.

But rather than give a meal to someone on the street one time or cash, we encourage you to give in a way that provides lasting, long-term help so people can end their homelessness for good.

Join our Healthy Giving campaign by visiting GiveSmartAZ.org.

There, you will learn how to donate to or volunteer with trusted community partners who provide services that go beyond a single meal.

These are hard times and, more than ever, we need to band together to keep our community strong and most importantly safe. I’m grateful to the churches, nonprofits, businesses, and caring individuals who want to be part of the solution to these very human challenges.

County government is working to do its part as well, and I will continue to advocate — as I always have — for the appropriate resources and support for the Sun Cities and the surrounding communities.

Editor’s note: Republican Clint Hickman represents county District 4 on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.