Reed Announces $4.7 million to Help RI Homeless

Statement

In an effort to reduce homelessness in Rhode Island, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is providing $4.7 million in Continuum of Care funding to help keep over 40 Rhode Island homeless assistance programs operating throughout the state.

HUD's Continuum of Care grants are awarded competitively and fund programs ranging from providing permanent and transitional housing to homeless persons to important supportive services such as job training, mental health counseling, and substance abuse treatment.

"This federal funding is a smart investment in reducing homelessness in Rhode Island and supporting organizations that are providing relief to those in need. Along with many others across the state, I am committed to preventing and ending homelessness, and I am pleased to help put the resources behind that commitment," stated Reed, the author of the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act, which President Obama signed into law in May of 2009. In addition to boosting targeted homelessness assistance and prevention grant programs going forward, Reed's legislation mandated that the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness produce a "national strategic plan" to end homelessness.

Since 2000, Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, has helped secure over $51 million in federal Continuum of Care grant funding for local homelessness programs throughout the state.

Rhode Island Housing will administer $4.6 million of the renewal grant funding with partner agencies statewide, while Washington Square Services Corporation will administer $103,217; the Providence Center will administer $41,133; Family Resources Community Action will administer $32,428; and Newport County Community Mental Health Center will administer $8,204.

"This will provide for the continuation of funding for critical homes and services to Rhode Island's most vulnerable populations," said Richard Godfrey, Executive Director of Rhode Island Housing. "The Rhode Island Senate's hearing on homelessness last week emphasized the need for funds specifically to prevent homelessness. These Continuum of Care funds are a vital ingredient in meeting this need."

Last week, Reed joined with the National Alliance to End Homelessness to release a new report on the State of Homelessness in America, a national and state-by-state survey showing a recession-driven increase in homelessness in Rhode Island and nationwide. The report found that Rhode Island's homeless population increased 34.36% from 2008 to 2009. And the state's "doubled up" population -- people living with family or friends because of economic circumstances -- increased 89.33% from 2008 to 2009 from 6,607 to 12,509. The report notes, "In the course of a year, the estimated odds of experiencing homelessness for a doubled up person are 1 in 10."

This is the first round of federal Continuum of Care grant funding for this year and Rhode Island is expected to receive additional federal dollars for homelessness prevention programs later this year.

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