WASHINGTON, DC. A record number of nearly 5,000 local programs that house and assist persons experiencing homelessness - from emergency shelters and transitional programs to permanent supportive housing programs - were today awarded $1.33 billion in funding in an announcement made by United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary and United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Chair Alphonso Jackson. Today's awards exceed the 4,400 programs covered in last year's announcement. 1,318 of the project awards announced today target individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, reflecting an increase over last year's funding of 1,089 such programs. Total funding to these projects will exceed $379 million, a commitment that directly supports the national goal of ending chronic homelessness. In total, HUD funding is expected to provide critically needed assistance to approximately 172,000 persons and families living without a home of their own.

"Today, we take another step along the road toward ending chronic homelessness on our streets," said Secretary Jackson. "This funding will help provide homes and vital services to those who need them most - persons and families who deserve a place they can call home." Secretary Jackson is pictured here at center at the full Council Meeting in September with Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary and former Council Chair R. James Nicholson at left and Council Executive Director Philip Mangano at right.

In the past five years, HUD has awarded $6 billion in funding to state and local communities to support the housing and service needs of homeless persons and families. HUD's funding is provided through continuum of care programs supporting permanent housing, transitional programs, and services including job training, health care, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment and child care. In addition, Emergency Shelter Grants provide funds for homeless shelters, assist in the operation of local shelters and fund related social service and homeless prevention programs.

Combined, HUD's programs will provide critically needed funding to nearly 5,000 local programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Nearly $600 million is being awarded to projects that provide permanent housing solutions for homeless persons. More than 3,000 local projects that serve mothers and their children will receive $739 million. 658 programs that primarily serve victims of domestic violence will receive nearly $125 million. $53.6 million is being awarded to 226 projects that primarily target homeless veterans among those they serve. Nearly 1,600 of the projects funded today are dedicated to providing housing and support services to severely mentally ill clients. These persons are at high risk of experiencing long-term or chronic homelessness. Nearly $419 million will support 1,604 local programs that primarily help homeless individuals with substance abuse problems. $206 million will support faith-based organizations to house and serve homeless persons and families.

"Today once again HUD is demonstrating a deepened investment in the lives of homeless families and victims of domestic violence," said Council Director Mangano, "and investing in the continuation of the national initiative to end chronic homelessness."