|
Seven Oakland County Agencies Awarded $3.3 Million Homeless Assistance Grant
A federal grant worth over $3.3 million dollars will help seven Oakland County non-profit agencies provide assistance to homeless individuals and families throughout the county in 2008. The Oakland County Taskforce on Homelessness and Affordable Housing, a consortium of over 40 agencies working to deliver services to the homeless, was awarded a McKinney Grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to fund targeted homeless programs.
"These funds reflect the ongoing commitment of several non-profit agencies to help stabilize the lives of people in Oakland County without housing and move them toward independent living," said Karry Rieth, Manager of Oakland County's Community & Home Improvement Division.
The agencies receiving funding are:
"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 citizen," said Doug Smith, director of Oakland County's Department of Economic Development & Community Affairs.
The seven agencies, with support from Oakland County's Community & Home Improvement Division, applied for 21 projects and were awarded the full amount, plus an additional $20,000 to offset an increase in fair market rent value. This year's grant, which is higher than the previous award of $3.15 million, will improve housing opportunities for Oakland County's homeless population and assist in the goal to eradicate homelessness.
"Community Housing Network has assisted 172 individuals and families to date with the past awards. This most recent HUD grant assures that our goal to help end homelessness will continue" said Marc Craig, President and CEO of Community Housing Network. "Our successful and supportive partnerships with the Community & Home Improvement Division of Oakland County and HUD have helped make all of this possible."
In October 2004, Oakland County Executive, L. Brooks Patterson, 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," working together to decrease the incidence of homelessness and increase affordable housing opportunities in Oakland County.
For more information on homelessness in Oakland County, contact Kathy Williams at 248-858-1189.
|
