The federal Housing and Urban Development agency today awarded about $3 million to the Orange County Housing Authority and three other local organizations that provide shelter for the homeless.
The grants were part of $36.7 million allocated to 81 groups throughout California as part of the federal program to end homelessness by 2020.
The federal program involves 19 agencies, including HUD and its goal is to end homelessness nationwide by 2015 for military veterans and for everyone, including children and families by 2020. The grants went to organizations that never received HUD homeless funds before.
Orange County is just beginning its participation in the program and is trying to hire an executive director for the local project.
The four groups that received a total of $2,972,944 were:
- American Family Housing in Midway City, $935,491
- Jamboree Housing Corporation in Irvine, $400,000
- Mercy House Living Centers in Santa Ana, $589,493
- The Orange County Housing Authority, $1,047,960
The grants to American Family Housing, Jamboree Housing and Mercy House were for housing and supportive services to allow homeless persons live as independently as possible.
The county grant is for housing and supportive services on a long-term basis for homeless persons with disabilities, primarily serious mental illness, chronic alcohol and drug abuse, AIDS or related diseases. The money provides housing for families as well.
“These programs offer more than just a roof for homeless individuals and families,” said HUD Regional Administrator Ophelia Basgal in a news release announcing the grants. “They also provide support services to a population with many important needs.”