Governor Ernie Fletcher, joined by Philip Mangano, executive director of the Interagency Council on Homelessness, celebrated the accomplishments and milestones achieved since Kentucky's Ten-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness was implemented in 2006.

Krista Mills, Kentucky Field Office Director, presents the Supportive Housing and Emergency Shelter Grant check to Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher as they are joined on the left by KHC CEO Ben Cook and on the right by Philip Mangano, Executive Director of the Interagency Council on Homelessness, along with many other Kentucky homeless advocates.

To build upon those successes and to assist the governor to further meet the goals set forth in the Ten-Year Plan, Krista Mills, field office director of the Kentucky HUD Office, recently presented a check for $15.2 million dollars in Supportive Housing and Emergency Shelter Grant funding to Governor Fletcher. HUD's homeless assistance throughout Kentucky represents an increase of more than $1.5 million over last year.

Philip F. Mangano, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, made the announcement during a news conference with Governor Ernie Fletcher at the State Capitol. Mangano said, "This level of funding for Kentucky communities is a tangible expression of the strong partnership with Washington to end homelessness throughout the Bluegrass State.Governor Fletcher's Ten-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness is addressing many of the root causes of homelessness in Kentucky. He and his Ten-Year Plan champion, Ben Cook of Kentucky Housing Corporation - and the entire Continuum of Care around Kentucky - all deserve commendation for their work to accomplish this mission."

"This funding will provide assistance to those who need a helping hand," said Governor Fletcher. "For some, this may mean the difference between life and death. We must always remember to help those less fortunate among us. This commitment of funds will provide the necessary support to meaningfully address the challenges of homelessness in Kentucky."

Governor Ernie Fletcher unveiled Kentucky's Ten-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessnessin January 2006. The plan was developed by the Kentucky Interagency Council on Homelessness and Kentucky Housing Corporation with public input from 12 community forums held across the state. More information on the plan is available at www.kyhomeless.org/.

Governor Fletcher requested the plan be developed in response to President George W. Bush's charge to cities and states across the country to end chronic homelessness in their specific areas.

For the last 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.