Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) has awarded a one-year grant that will be allocated for three regional housing agencies working in partnership.

The allotment will support “rapid rehousing and bridge housing” for approximately 70 homeless families in Pima County, according to the county government’s website. There will be an emphasis on serving veterans and families with or without children.

The award is part of an overall award of $2 million from the state housing trust fund to Primavera, Our Family Services and Community Bridges Inc.

ADOH director Michael Trailor commended Pima County’s plan and its priorities for resolving “the chaos of homelessness." 

Partner agencies Sullivan Jackson Employment Center, Compass Affordable Housing and Old Pueblo Community Services received praise for their participation.

By allowing at-risk or needy families to access temporary housing while waiting for permanent solutions, the program fills previous gaps in the system, according to a Pima County announcement.

Additionally, household members will be able to take advantage of a short-term training program with Sullivan Jackson Employment Center’s Job Offer Academy, which helps homeless job-seekers gain employment and housing.

“I can’t say enough about these nonprofits who do this work,” Pima County’s District 5 Supervisor Richard Elías of Tucson said in the announcement. “Rapid rehousing is absolutely critical for our homeless population and we have to continue getting better at creating these programs to assist our homeless population.”