HUD ANNOUNCES $10 MILLION TO SUPPORT HOMELESS PROGRAMS IN MAINE

Today, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Maine State Director William Burney joined Governor
John E. Baldacci to announce more than $10 million in federal funding awarded in the State of Maine to support 48 homeless programs throughout the state (please see attached list of grantees and grant amounts).

"This grant enables the state to make a real difference in our communities, providing shelter, stable housing, and supportive services to the homeless," Governor Baldacci said. "This funding is critical in helping us to address long term needs and move forward in our goal to end homelessness in Maine."

The majority of the funding, $9.2 million, is provided under HUD's Continuum of Care program, which supports the
full spectrum for homeless individuals and families - from street outreach and emergency shelter to transitional and permanent housing. The funding, which is part of $1.5 billion awarded nationally, also provides for critically needed services including job training, child care, substance abuse treatment and mental health counseling.

"This funding, which helps individuals and families move beyond the cycle of homelessness, is a result of one of the most competitive grant processes in the federal government," said Burney. "Consistently receiving funding for homeless programs in Maine speaks volumes about the dedicated staffs on the front line of homelessness, ensuring homes and services can be provided to those who need them the most."

In addition to the Continuum of Care grants, HUD allocates Emergency Shelter grants based on a formula to state
and local governments to create, improve and operate emergency shelters for homeless persons. This year, HUD has awarded $860,526 in Emergency Shelter grants in the State of Maine. These funds 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 total funding awarded in Maine this year, just over $10 million, is an increase over last year's allocation of $9.3 million. Over the past five years, $44.7 million in HUD homeless funding has been awarded in Maine.

SHP: Supportive Housing Program, designed to develop supportive housing and services that will allow homeless persons to live as independently as possible. Through SHP, homeless individuals will achieve residential stability, increase their skill levels and/or their incomes. These grants are designed to move people away from a life on the street toward self-sufficiency.

SHPR: Supportive Housing Program renewal grant.

SPC: Shelter Plus Care, is designed to provide housing and supportive services on a long-term basis for homeless individuals with disabilities, primarily those with serious mental illness, chronic problems with alcohol and drugs,
and AIDS.

SPCR: Shelter Plus Care renewal grant.

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