PHOENIX (February 8, 2019)– From a bed of concrete on the street to a mattress in their own home. That is the very real possibility for families, youth and adults experiencing homelessness in the region, thanks to federal funding announced this week.
For Immediate ReleaseContact: Kelly Taft or Anne Scott, MAG, 602-254-6300
PHOENIX (February 8, 2019) – From a bed of concrete on the street to a mattress in their own home. That is the very real possibility for families, youth and adults experiencing homelessness in the region, thanks to federal funding announced this week.
On February 6, 2019, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson announced Continuum of Care program grant funding to help end homelessness and provide critically needed support to local programs serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care award of $28,016,529 million provides funding for 35 local homelessness programs. The award includes $1,020,966 in new funding to provide permanent housing for homeless families in the region.
Human Services Campus Executive Director Amy Schwabenlender, co-chair of the Continuum of Care Board, noted the importance of the two new projects funded by HUD. “We are pleased to have new resources in the community to address the needs of those experiencing homelessness. Both projects will serve families experiencing homelessness, one with an emphasis on families fleeing domestic violence.”
City of Tempe Police Sergeant Robert Ferraro, co-chair of the Continuum of Care Board, added his appreciation for the federal investment in homeless programs and noted the importance of other funding partners. “We are pleased that the federal government will continue its investment in permanent housing. We know that housing solves homelessness and this award helps us to continue to expand partnerships with state, local and private sector partners to bring additional funding.”
“We have seen a dramatic increase in the number of unsheltered homeless people in the region,” said Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Chair Gail Barney, mayor of Queen Creek. “We are grateful to have the federal government partner with local communities in our efforts to end homelessness. Funding for these programs will provide much-needed help to get people back on their feet and into permanent housing.”
The funding will support the following:
- 33 programs that provide housing and services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
- $855,158 for the Coordinated Entry project to prioritize and place individuals and families in appropriate housing.
- Funding for Continuum of Care planning and implementing the Homeless Management Information System, a local information technology system used to collect data on the provision of housing and services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
A complete list of funded projects can be viewed by clicking here.
The Continuum of Care is made up of representatives from the public sector, private sector and nonprofit organizations and staffed by the Maricopa Association of Governments. The Continuum of Care Board assumes responsibility for the development and submission of the annual coordinated grant application for the HUD Continuum of Care homeless assistance funds. For additional information on the funding announcement or the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care, please contact Anne Scott, MAG Human Services Planner, at (602) 254-6300 or by email at [email protected].
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