January 20, 2011

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is one of the most important funding sources in our work to fight homelessness in our community.

Each year, HUD awards Continuum of Care grants to organizations across the country, helping support a wide variety of programs - from child care, job training, and mental health counseling to transitional and permanent supportive housing.

Yesterday, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announced awards totaling $1.4 billion. Here in Oregon, 101 providers will receive more than $18 million, almost $1 million more than last year.

Multnomah County organizations have been awarded close to $9.8 million. Continuum of Care grants make up about 30% of funding for homeless services in Multnomah County. The projects they fund are the backbone of our system to deliver critical services to our most vulnerable residents.