STATE OF VERMONT RECEIVES $1.7 MILLION TO SUPPORT HOMELESS PROGRAMS

Today, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Regional Director Taylor Caswell joined Governor Jim Douglas to announce more than $1.7 million in federal funding awarded to the State of Vermont to support 16 homeless programs throughout the state.

"This funding is a result of one of the most competitive grant processes in the federal government, and it serves a vital need of providing homes and services to those who need them the most," said Caswell. "Consistently receiving funding for programs in Vermont speaks volumes of the coordination involved in making today's announcement possible."

The funding, part of $1.5 billion awarded nationally, 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. In addition, the funding provides for critically needed services including job training, child care, substance abuse treatment and mental health counseling.

In addition to the funding awarded to the State, Burlington/Chittenden County received $765,755 in Continuum of Care funding, which brings the total statewide allocation to more than $2.5 million to support 21 programs
throughout the state. (Please see attached list of grantees and grant amounts).

"This funding represents an excellent opportunity for Vermonters, and my administration is very pleased that the Department of Housing and Urban Development continues to be responsive to the housing needs of our most vulnerable residents," said Governor Jim Douglas. "Ensuring that all Vermonters have access to decent, safe, and affordable housing, with necessary services for the homeless, is among the top priorities of my administration. This significant level of funding for the local Continuums of Care and shelters will continue to support the efforts of my Interagency Council to End Homelessness."

The funding announcement took place at the Clara Martin Center Safe Haven in Randolph, which will receive
$148,815 from the State of Vermont. The Clara Martin Center Safe Haven will use the funding to reach the
chronically homeless with severe mental illness. The program provides support services to these individuals with the goal of assisting them with moving on to a safe and stable environment where they may work toward healing and recovery. Clara Martin Center Safe Haven houses up to six people at any one time with an average stay of six months.

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 a $363,129 Emergency Shelter grant to the State of Vermont. 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.

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Vermont 2007 HUD Homeless Grants

HP: 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.