Bush Administration announces $2,556,052 to support homeless programs in Montana

Seventeen housing and service programs to benefit from HUD funding

WASHINGTON, December 21, 2007 – Seventeen homeless programs in Montana will receive $2,556,052.00 in grants announced today by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The grants announced today will support the full spectrum or “continuum of care” for homeless individuals and families – from street outreach and emergency shelter to transitional and permanent housing.

In addition, the funding provides for critically needed services including job training, child care, substance abuse treatment and mental health. For a detailed local summary of the projects awarded funding, visit HUD’s website. Nationally, HUD is awarding a record $1.5 billion to an unprecedented 6,200 local housing and service programs and anticipates awarding $1.6 billion, another record funding level, next year.

“These grants will reach into every corner of the nation, helping individuals and families to move beyond the cycle of homelessness,” said HUD Deputy Secretary Roy A. Bernardi. “We know this record funding will literally save lives but we must also recognize that there is still a tremendous need to find housing and services for the most vulnerable among us.”

Since 2001, HUD has awarded approximately $10 billion in funding to local communities to support the housing and service needs of homeless individuals and families. The FY 2008 Budget provides $1.6 billion through HUD’s Continuum of Care and Emergency Shelter Grants programs, another record federal investment. This increased level of funding represents a 55 percent increase over 2001.

Bernardi added, “Homelessness is not a seasonal problem; it’s a tragedy being played out on our streets and in our shelters every day. While we’re turning an important corner in our understanding of homelessness, we’re also working harder than ever to end the revolving door of homelessness, especially for those experiencing mental illness, addictions and chronic disabilities.”

HUD’s funding is provided in two ways:

• HUD’s Continuum of Care programs provide permanent and transitional housing to homeless persons. In addition, Continuum grants fund important services including job training, health care, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment and child care.
• Emergency Shelter Grants provide funds for the operation of local shelters and fund related social service and homeless prevention programs. These funds may also support essential services including job training, health care, drug/alcohol treatment, childcare and homelessness prevention activities. By helping to support emergency shelter, transitional housing and needed support services, Emergency Shelter Grants are designed to move homeless persons away from a life on the street toward permanent housing.

The Goal to End Chronic Homelessness

For six years, ending chronic homelessness has been one of President Bush’s national goals. Research indicates that approximately 20 percent of all homeless persons experience long-term or chronic homelessness. These studies conclude that this hardest-to-serve population utilizes more than half of all emergency shelter resources designed to assist homeless individuals and families. By shifting the federal emphasis toward meeting the needs of the most vulnerable homeless persons, more resources become available for those who experience situational homelessness. To learn more about chronic homelessness, visit the HUD’s Chronic Homelessness webpage.

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HUD is the nation’s housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development and enforces the nation’s fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.