Press Release

Seven Oakland County Agencies Awarded $3.3 Million Homeless Assistance Grant

Pontiac, MI - December 28, 2007 - Seven Oakland County non-profit agencies will receive more than $3.3 million in federal dollars in 2008 to provide transitional and permanent supportive housing to homeless families and individuals in Oakland County. The Oakland County Taskforce on Homelessness and Affordable Housing's providers were awarded a McKinney Grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to fund targeted homeless programs. The agencies receiving funding are Community Housing Network, Lighthouse of Oakland County, Training and Treatment Innovations, Common Ground Sanctuary, Word Foundation Agape House, New Passages Behavioral Health & Rehabilitation Services and Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority.

The seven agencies applied for 21 projects totaling $3,294,027 and are awarded $3,314,144. The award is $20,117 more than requested. The increase covers the rise in the area's fair market rents since the application was submitted. This is an increase over the current fiscal year's award of $3.15 million.

The funds enable the service providers to increase housing opportunities for Oakland County's homeless and assist in the goal to end homelessness. Oakland County Community & Home Improvement Division staff led the effort in the researching, writing, and assembly of the grant application. Oakland County received full funding for all the programs for which they were eligible to apply.

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"With the state of our economy, this funding is particularly critical at this time to meet the growing needs for housing and shelter of our less fortunate citizens," said Doug Smith, director of Oakland County's Department of Economic Development & Community Affairs.

In October 2004, the County Executive announced a countywide plan to end chronic homelessness within 10 years.

Begun in 1987, the Oakland County Taskforce on Homelessness and Affordable Housing is a consortium of advocates for people who are homeless or are at risk for homelessness, including representation from service providers, funding agencies, banks, governments, foundations, consumers, and private businesses. Together they form a Continuum of Care from homeless prevention to the development of permanent affordable housing. 

For more information on Homelessness in Oakland County, contact Kathy Williams at williamska@oakgov.com or (248) 858-1189.