Since 1976, the MAG Human Services Committees have collaborated with a number of key stakeholders such as state and county agencies, municipal planners, community based organizations and funders of human services within the MAG region. The committees identify strategies to address human services priorities at the regional level and recommend allocations for human services funding in three areas: federal Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) funds for a variety of human services needs, Stuart B. McKinney funds to support homeless assistance programs and Section 5310 funds for agencies that transport older adults and people with disabilities. Main Focus Areas: Five committees address regional human services planning at MAG. General Human Services Planning The MAG Human Services Coordinating Committee advises the MAG Regional Council on human services-related issues and develops regional human services plans. It is supported by its technical counterpart, the MAG Human Services Technical Committee. The two Committees develop allocation recommendations for the locally planned dollars of the Social Services Block Grant. Homelessness The MAG Continuum of Care Regional Committee on Homelessness provides direction on homeless planning and policy. This is done through updates to the Regional Plan to End Homelessness and a consolidated application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to support homeless assistance programs. Domestic Violence The MAG Regional Domestic Violence Council develops and implements strategies to reduce the incidence of and trauma associated with domestic violence, including the Regional Plan to End Domestic Violence. Areas of focus include training for first responders and healthcare professionals, teen dating violence, and research. Human Services Transportation Planning In 2001, MAG convened an elderly mobility planning process that resulted in the development of the Regional Action Plan on Aging and Mobility and in 2002, with the region hosting a national conference. MAG also facilitates the application process for Section 5310. The Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Transportation Program Committee determines a priority listing of Section 5310 applications for vehicles, radio equipment, software and mobility management funds to transport older adults and people with disabilities for the Arizona Department of Transportation. Since then, the focus has broadened from older adults and people with disabilities to include people with disabilities and people with low incomes. MAG developed the first MAG Human Services Coordination Transportation Plan in 2007 in response to new federal requirements in SAFETEA-LU legislation. That plan was hailed as a national model and has presented across the country. MAG developed a new coordination plan in 2008 with strong support from the community and provider agencies. Get e-mail updates when this information changes / Learn more... |