Markey, Delegation: Massachusetts Earns $56 Million to Aid Homeless

Statement

Representative Edward J. Markey (d-Malden), along with Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown, and Representatives John Olver, Jim McGovern, Niki Tsongas, and Richard Neal, today announced that Massachusetts will receive $56,550,634 to provide housing and services to the homeless throughout the state.

The funding, awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Program, will provide transitional, rental, and permanent housing as well as a host of services to help homeless individuals and families move towards self-sufficiency and permanent housing.

"Expanded access to affordable and safe housing in each of these Commonwealth communities will help to significantly reduce the number of Massachusetts families who may experience homelessness this year. I welcome these critical federal grants and Bay State families will welcome the care that these programs provide on their journey towards a stable, secure, and economically self-sufficient future," said Rep. Markey.

"Getting struggling families off the streets and on the path to permanent housing and work is critical for our society and our economy. Homelessness is a year round problem that needs a long-term solution and this investment is a step forward," said Sen. Kerry.

"During these tough economic times, many of our citizens are struggling to make ends meet and need help getting back on their feet. These resources will play a comprehensive role helping those in need, and I am pleased our communities are receiving them," said Sen. Brown.

"During these difficult economic times with high under employment and lingering high unemployment, people are struggling to find a job that pays the rent and supports their families. As we continue to rebuild our economy, I am very supportive of the Administration's efforts to keep people in their homes and provide them with shelter during these cold winter months," said Rep. Olver.

"I'm very pleased that Attleboro, Fall River and Worcester will be receiving these funds. Providing support for the homeless is particularly critical during these difficult economic times," said Rep. McGovern.

"Helping homeless individuals and families get off the street and find safe housing is something we should be doing at all times, but this effort takes on additional urgency during difficult economic periods where increasing numbers of people are at risk. These fund released today will provide a lifeline to vulnerable citizens in Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill as well as in other areas of the Commonwealth," said Rep. Tsongas.

"As we continue to experience some of the most severe weather of the winter season, the neediest individuals in western and central Massachusetts must not be forgotten. These timely federal grants will be a great help to the homeless community throughout the Connecticut River Valley. It will bring them food, shelter and relief as they work to move out of homelessness," said Rep. Neal.

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