Gov. Timothy M. Kaine on Friday announced the award of more than $14 million in grants to Virginia’s homeless services providers, including more than $340,000 in grants to local providers of services to the homeless.
The grants, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and funded through a combination of state and federal resources, will be used to provide services to homeless citizens or those at risk of becoming homeless.
“With today’s economic climate, this is a very vulnerable time for many Virginians. Increased job losses and medical bills may push some individuals and families to the brink of homelessness,” said Gov. Kaine. “It is my hope that these funds will provide a critical safety net for these families to get them through the rough times.”
Approximately 120 homeless shelters will receive funding through $6,357,539 awarded through State Shelter Grant funds and $1,592,760 awarded through the federally-funded Emergency Shelter Grant funds. State Shelter Grant and Emergency Shelter Grant funding are designated for the operation, administration and supportive services for emergency shelters and transitional housing facilities.
Additionally, $5,100,000 is being awarded to 26 nonprofit organizations through the Homeless Intervention Program, designed to provide temporary rental or mortgage assistance for individuals and families experiencing a financial crisis due to unforeseen circumstances.
The Governor is also announcing $1,089,375 in grant awards to 48 homeless shelters for the Child Services Coordinator program, which provides support to ensure that a range of special needs of homeless children residing in either emergency shelters or transitional housing facilities are met. Awards totaling $300,000 from the federally funded Child Care for Homeless Children Program have been made to assist families residing in homeless shelters with the cost of child care while they work or participate in an educational or job training program.
“These grants not only provide for shelter for individuals, families and children, they provide a safe environment for them to call home while they work toward getting back on their feet with the support services, educational opportunities and other programs that are provided by our grantees,” said Bill Shelton, DHCD Director.
Local agencies receiving funds include:
– First Step: A Response to Domestic Violence Inc., Harrisonburg $44,631.97
– Harrisonburg/Rockingham Area Thermal Shelter, $10,020.17
– Mercy House Inc., Harrisonburg $138,740.79
– Salvation Army of Harrisonburg $98,584.86
– New Directions Center Inc., Staunton, $44,118.81
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