The Biden administration says next year’s pot of grant money available to nonprofits, local governments and tribes with programs to end homelessness is the biggest ever.

Local point-in-time headcounts by the Maricopa Association of Governments show a more than 70% increase in homelessness since 2017.

Federal officials say a total of $3.1 billion will fund support services and housing programs that help people living on the street.

Chad Snow/KJZZ

A view of "The Zone" in downtown Phoenix on May 15, 2023.

Confronting racial disparities among the unsheltered is one example of an eligible project.

There’s also money specifically for helping domestic violence survivors, young people and those homeless in rural areas.

The infamous downtown Phoenix encampment called "The Zone" touches the Human Services Campus, which is a collaborative of groups that can seek funding.

Competitive grant applications are due Sept. 28.