home screen config
 

is there a way to add shortcuts on the home screen for contacts?

Re: home screen config
 

Yep!
Go to your apps section. At the top tap widgets. In there, you will find a few different contact widgets. Tap and hold the one you want. It will switch back to your home screen. Let go where you want it to be. Then tap it and you will get an option of who and what info you want to see or call or send a msg.