Florida’s homeless population got a boost today with the award of $71.4 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to support more that 250 programs operating in the coming year.
The grant announced on Wednesday, forms a critical foundation for the Obama Administration’s Opening Doors strategy, the nation’s first comprehensive plan to prevent and end homelessness.
Orlando/Orange County, Osceola and Seminole Counties are slated to receive over $4.5 million.
In making the award, HUD’s Secretary Shaun Donovan said in a statement, “There is a tremendous need on our streets and in our shelters among those experiencing both long-term homelessness as well as families confronting a sudden economic crisis. These grants are the life blood for thousands of local housing and service programs that are doing the heavy lifting to meet President Obama’s goal of ending homelessness.”
Today’s announcement comes just a week before thousands of volunteers in nearly every city and county conduct a national one-night count of homeless persons and families.
