Rahall Announces $1.4 Million for Homeless Housing Assistance

WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 20, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) Tuesday announced southern West Virginia has been awarded more than $1.4 million for homeless housing and support initiatives.

“We all know what having a home means to West Virginia families. Every time a family realizes the American dream of a home, the entire community benefits, from the local neighborhood to businesses on Main Street,” said Rahall. “This funding is a wise investment that can help us rebuild our local economies and strengthen our communities.”

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded the funding through its Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance programs, which assist the homeless through a coordinated approach between local and state government entities and nonprofits. The Continuum programs include the Supportive Housing Program, Shelter Plus Care Program, and Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation for Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Dwellings for Homeless Individuals.

The following community agencies and housing authorities in southern West Virginia have been awarded funding:

• Cabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless – $211,811
• Community Action of Southeastern West Virginia – $52,710
• Housing Authority of Mingo County – $81,220
• Huntington Housing Authority — $927,577
• Southwestern Community Action Council — $71,637
• Stop Abusive Family Environments — $135,799

The Supportive Housing Program provides funding for temporary and permanent housing and also support services like case management and employment assistance. The Shelter Plus Care Program provides rental assistance for homeless persons with disabilities, such as mental illness or drug and alcohol addiction. The Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation for SRO Dwellings provides funding for SRO housing, requiring grant recipients to spend part of the funding on the rehabilitation of the unit.