HUD AWARDS $996,975 TO HELP PROVIDE PERMANENT HOUSING FOR PERSONS EXPERIENCING CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS IN DENVER
Denver -- one of 11 cities receiving grants through new pilot program

DENVER - More than 60 persons living for long periods of time on the streets of Denver will find a permanent home because of $996,975 in funding announced today by Housing and Urban Development Region VIII Director John Carson. The funding is part of $10 million HUD is providing to a dozen pilot programs in 11 cities around the country through a new program called Housing for People Who Are Homeless and Addicted To Alcohol, a special initiative designed to assist homeless persons who also struggle with chronic alcoholism.

"The investment is targeted at chronically homeless individuals in the grips of alcoholism, and is designed to help
end the often continuous cycle of incarceration, emergency room visits, and short-term shelter habitation," said Carson. "The program is an important part of HUD's commitment to end chronic homelessness in America."

Carson joined Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper during a downtown news conference. The funding announced today
will provide two years of housing support to a new program designed by the Colorado Coalition for Homeless.

HUD has worked closely with the Interagency Council for the Homeless to design this new demonstration program
that targets individuals living on the streets for at least 365 days over the last five years and who also have a long-term addiction to alcohol. This initiative is supported by research that suggests as many as 150,000 persons experiencing chronic homelessness also often suffer from addiction to alcohol and tend to have the highest
utilization of public facilities and services.

The following communities are receiving grants under HUD's new Housing for People Who Are Homeless and
Addicted To Alcohol program (see list below):

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 as
well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.

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