HUD ANNOUNCES OVER $34.6 MILLION IN GRANTS TO HOUSE AND SERVE THOUSANDS OF HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN WASHINGTON

SEATTLE - The Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $34,647,083 to Washington organizations serving thousands of homeless individuals and families throughout the state this week. The grants are part of nearly $1.4 billion in funding awarded to more than 5300 local homeless programs nationwide.

More than $31.9 million in Continuum of Care grants were awarded competitively to Washington programs to meet
the needs of their homeless clients. This is an increase of nearly $300,000 from the $31.6 million awarded last year.

In addition, over $2.6 million was awarded to Washington for Emergency Shelter Grants, which are allocated based
on a formula to state and local governments to create, improve and operate emergency shelters for homeless persons. Emergency Shelter Grants are designed to move homeless persons away from a life on the street toward permanent housing.

"This federal funding is a critical component for the success of state and local government 10 year plans to end chronic homelessness," said HUD Regional Director John W. Meyers. "Cities, counties, faith based and community nonprofit agencies throughout Washington depend on this funding to provide housing and supportive services to
some of our most vulnerable neighbors."

HUD's 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.
  
  
• Emergency Shelter Grants convert buildings into homeless shelters, assist in the operation of local shelters
  and fund related social service and homeless prevention programs.

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

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.

###