News Release

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PAUL CARLSON NAMED HUD's
REGION X INTERAGENCY HOMELESS COORDINATOR

SEATTLE - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced the selection of Paul Carlson as Regional Interagency Homeless Coordinator for the four states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington (HUD's Region X). He is one of ten HUD Regional Homeless Coordinators in the United States.

Last year, President Bush reactivated the Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) to better coordinate the activities of 18 federal agencies that are involved in assisting the homeless. In addition, HUD, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) formed a joint task force to study and improve the way these agencies respond to the various needs of homeless individuals and families.

Currently, HUD, HHS and VA are soliciting applications for $35 million in funding to support model programs that will provide permanent housing and supportive services to persons experiencing long-term homelessness. In addition, the Bush Administration's proposed budget seeks to double funding to this program as part of a $70 million Samaritan Initiative. Under this proposed program, HUD would provide $50 million to fund permanent housing solutions while HHS and VA would each target $10 million for services such as substance abuse treatment and primary health care.

In his new position, Carlson will provide coordination and liaison with state and local governments as well as federal agencies in their collective efforts to combat homelessness. He will help create local councils of federal agencies, modeled after the federal ICH, to develop strategies to end chronic homelessness in their states and will encourage and support state and local efforts to develop ten-year plans to end homelessness.

John Meyers, Regional Director, said, "I am pleased to have Paul join us. His expertise and knowledge are well suited to helping us further the President's initiative in the Northwest."

Most recently, Carlson served as Strategic Advisor on homelessness and supportive housing for the City of Seattle Mayor's Office of Housing. He was responsible for administering the Sound Families Initiative program funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This regional program funds housing with supportive services for families in transition out of homelessness. Previously, he worked for Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, developing housing resources for persons with severe mental illness. He has served on numerous local and regional housing boards, as well as on the National Shelter plus Care Steering Committee that advises the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development on this national rent subsidy program. Carlson received his baccalaureate from Dickinson College, St. Andrews University, attended Princeton Theological Seminary, and received a master's of divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Visit Interagency Council for the Homeless for more information.

More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov.