Jefferson County Dep’t of Social Services to Receive Stimulus Funding to Prevent Homelessness

The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance recently announced the award of nearly $25 million in homelessness prevention grants through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The funds will allow 25 agencies to provide services in 33 counties through the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP).

Locally, awarded funds is the Jefferson County Department of Social Services serving residents of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, set to receive. $1,976,682

“We must continue to do all we can to help the most vulnerable New Yorkers get through this economic downturn and ensure that those on the brink are not forced into homelessness,” Governor Paterson said. “By helping these individuals and families secure and maintain safe, stable housing, we can help them begin on a path to economic security.”

“This funding will play a critical role in ensuring housing stability for literally thousands of New Yorkers,” said Kristin Proud, Deputy Secretary for Human Services, Technology and Operations, who is currently overseeing OTDA. “Equally important are the services and supports these individuals and families will receive to move toward achieving increased self-sufficiency and, with it, a life of independence.”

The grants announced today are part of $1.5 billion made available through ARRA for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Homelessness Prevention Fund, including a total of $141.2 million awarded to New York State communities. The state’s larger municipalities received this funding directly from the federal government, with the remaining $24.9 million being awarded competitively by OTDA.

The HPRP funds will provide much-needed services to New York families at-risk of homelessness while helping those already homeless to find stable housing. Services to be provided include short- and medium-term rental assistance, legal services, case management, locating available housing and financial counseling. More than 9,000 individuals will benefit from these programs. Additionally, more than half the projects awarded funding are multi-agency collaborations, addressing gaps in their respective communities.

Jefferson County Dep’t of Social Services to Receive Stimulus Funding to Prevent Homelessness

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