News Release

BUSH ADMINISTRATION AWARDS $21 MILLION TO COMBAT HOMELESSNESS IN VIRGINIA
Nearly $1.4 billion awarded nationwide to support a record number of Local Homeless Programs Nationwide

WASHINGTON – More than 60 non-profits, local governments and housing authorities in Virginia have been awarded a total of $20,995,829 in funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide critically needed emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent support for the homeless across the Commonwealth.

Today HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson announced the competitive awarded a total of $1.4 billion nationwide to more than 5,300 local homeless programs throughout the nation will receive nearly $1.4 billion in fiscal year 2006 funds that are expected to serve more than 150,000 homeless individuals and families.

HUD awarded $18.3 million to Continuums of Care – comprised of non-profits and local governments – based in Alexandria, Charlottesville, Chesapeake, Danville, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Newport News, Norfolk, Petersburg, Portsmouth, Richmond, Roanoke, Virginia Beach, the northern Shenandoah Valley and Arlington, Fairfax and Prince Williams counties. Another $2.6 million in Emergency Shelter Grants went to governments in Norfolk, Richmond, Roanoke and Virginia Beach, Fairfax and Prince Williams counties and the State of Virginia.

Since 2001, HUD has awarded approximately $9 billion in funding to state and local communities to support the housing and service needs of homeless persons and families. Next Year, President Bush is proposing a record level of funding to house and serve homeless persons and families. The President’s 2008 budget requests more than $1.6 billion through HUD’s Continuum of Care and Emergency Shelter Grant programs.

Jackson added, “The homeless must not become invisible or marginalized. Our response tells us much about our humanity as a people and a nation. When our fellow citizens literally need shelter from the storm, or a meal, or counseling, or help to regain their footing in life, we must be there to respond.”

TOTAL ESG Grants in Virginia -------- - $2,661,707.00

TOTAL CoC & ESG GRANTS IN VIRGINIA -------- - $20,995,829.00

HUD is the nation’s housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities, creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans, supporting the homeless, elderly people and people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nations fair housing laws. More information about HUD programs is available at www.hud.gov or espanol.hud.gov.

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