$70 Million in total grants from HUD awarded to Communities Across State
Columbus, OH – January 8, 2008 – Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher announced today that the Ohio Department of Development has received a $10.5 million award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Continuum of Care program for homeless assistance. “While we are grateful to receive this award and recognition for our efforts to assist and prevent homelessness, this grant serves as an important reminder of the challenges many Ohio families face each day in seeking shelter and services,” said Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “Our commitment to addressing and solving problems associated with homelessness is unwavering, because all Ohioans have a fundamental right to safety, security, and shelter.”
Ohio’s 1,500-page application requested funds to support 60 projects across the State including a Balance of State Homeless Management Information System renewal. Although the application was submitted by the State, the awards are allocated directly to local nonprofit agencies to provide permanent and transition housing to homeless individuals and families. The Continuum of Care program grants also help assist states and local communities with resources to provide job training, health care, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, and child care.
Other communities across the state applied directly for and received grants from HUD, totaling more than $70 million in assistance. A compete list of grants awarded in Ohio is available at the HUD Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/homeless/budget/2007/07_ohio_totals.xls
In April, Governor Strickland renewed the State’s commitment to helping low-income families and those most at risk of becoming homeless or chronically homeless by establishing the Interagency Council on Homelessness and Housing, chaired by Lt. Governor Fisher. The Council is assisting Governor Strickland in devising and implementing a long-term plan to support affordable housing and end chronic homelessness including the creation of the new Pilot Program for Homeless Prevention.