HUD ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $57.4 MILLION TO SUPPORT MASSACHUSETTS HOMELESS PROGRAMS
Funding part of $1.4 billion awarded nationwide

More than 250 local homeless programs in Massachusetts will receive more than $57.4 million in funding announced today by U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson. These grants are part of $1.4 billion awarded nationwide to support a record number of local programs - 5,300 - providing critically needed emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent support more than 150,000 individuals and families.

"These grants will support local programs that are on the front lines of helping those who might otherwise be living
on our streets," said Jackson. "Whether it's a single man living with a mental illness or a family struggling to give
their children a roof over their heads, this funding is quite literally saving lives."

Since 2001, HUD has awarded approximately $9 billion in funding to state and local communities to support the housing and service needs of homeless persons and families. HUD's homeless 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. Nearly $52.7 million in Continuum of Care grants
  are being awarded competitively to local programs in Massachusetts to meet the needs of their homeless
  clients. Continuum grants fund a wide variety of programs from street outreach and assessment programs
  to transitional and permanent housing for homeless persons and families.
  
  
• Emergency Shelter Grants provide funds for homeless shelters, assist in the operation of local shelters
  and fund related social service and homeless prevention programs. HUD is awarding nearly $4.8 million in
  Emergency Shelter Grants that are allocated based on a formula to local governments in Massachusetts
  to create, improve and operate emergency shelters for homeless persons. 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 and espanol.hud.gov.