WASHINGTON, DC – January 25, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Representative John Boccieri (D-Alliance) today announced the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) awarded more than $126,000 to the Alliance for Children and Families (ACF) through the federal Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance program.
“These funds provide the tools to give some of our most vulnerable people the opportunity to live in a safe, clean, and healthy environment,” said Boccieri. “Alliance for Children and Families can help make the difference for homeless individuals as they seek a permanent residence.”
CEO and Executive Director of ACF Shirene Starn Tapyrik acknowledged Congressman Boccieri for hosting a “Congress on Your Corner” at their administrative offices this past spring. Tapyrik said, “This opportunity provided awareness for Congressman Boccieri to understand the complexities of homelessness for Stark County Families. He also met with recipients of such HUD funding to ‘put a face/family’ on the need for such services, especially in such difficult economic times.”
Tapyrik further stated, “Congressman Boccieri understood the impact high unemployment and foreclosure has on the entire family system. Congressman Boccieri showed respect and compassion for the families, taking time to listen to their situations in a face-to-face interview.”
According to ACF, the grant award will provide up to 24-months of housing subsidies, case management, transportation vouchers, and supportive services to homeless families living in scattered-sites throughout the area. Based on FY2009 HUD statistical data, ACF will be able to serve an average of 19 families, comprised of 24 adults, and 38 children; for a total of 81 persons.
Alliance for Children and Families (ACF), with Ohio headquarters in Alliance, works to help low income individuals maintain safe and sufficient housing.
Congressman Boccieri also announced today that the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) awarded more than $67,000 through the federal Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance fund to the Applewood Community Mental Health Center’s Keys to Transition program which assists the homeless in finding permanent housing in Ashland.
“These federal funds help make the difference for homeless individuals looking for a permanent place to live,” said Boccieri. “Funding for the Keys to Transition Program can help make Ashland a healthier and stronger community.”
The funding from this grant allows Applewood Community Mental Health Center’s Keys to Transition program to continue housing homeless individuals and offer them assistance before finding them permanent residence.
A spokesperson from Appleseed Community Mental Health Center further explained their use of these federal funds by stating, “Appleseed Community Mental Health Center, Inc. will be using the recently awarded HUD Keys to Transition grant to provide a subsidy for transitional housing, day care, transportation, education, and employment services for adults who have qualifying children in the home. This grant provides stabilization in housing and supportive services to help the applicants become self sustaining. About six qualifying families participate in the Ashland County area at any one time.”
