Broward Blog

Broward County Receives More Than $7 Million For Homeless Programs

January 7th, 2008

On December 21, Broward County was the recipient of 14 project grants totaling more than $7 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) 2007 Homeless Continuum of Care awards. Nationwide, HUD awards more than $1.3 billion for the Homeless Continuum of Care Program.

The $7,717,470 award will be used to fund the many homeless programs across Broward County. One new housing project for homeless clients with disabilities was awarded $490,474 and adds 22 new units of permanent supportive housing towards helping to fulfill goals set out in the County’s Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness. The Ten Year Plan was approved by the Board of County Commissioners in December 2005, and has since been endorsed by nine cities, the United Way of Broward, the Coordinating Council of Broward, the Florida Department of Children & Families, businesses and others.

Of the 14 awards, six were for permanent housing, which includes 313 beds, and six for transitional housing, renewing 408 beds. Two other programs were for supportive services for 240 emergency or permanent housing beds. These programs will serve homeless adult and youth clients: individuals, families, veterans; those with mental, emotional, and physical disabilities; substance abuse disorders; mothers with children; pregnant women; and those who are “chronically” homeless and who have co-occurring disorders.

This award funds or provides services in support of 961 beds in the community for eligible homeless clients.

“It is satisfying to see our federal partner providing Broward County with additional financial resources to address this unfortunate and growing need,” said Broward County Mayor Lois Wexler. “Broward County invests $12 million a year to help end homelessness. We also encourage cities, businesses, the faith community, caring neighbors and others to financially join our initiative to eradicate this social stigma in our county.”

As in previous years, Broward County’s award exceeded its “pro-rata need share” (PRN). It was again the second highest award in Florida and the highest award Broward County has received since it became the lead agency for the grant in 1998. The award exceeded last year’s grant by $100,000.

Broward County’s Homeless Continuum of Care is a “Blue Ribbon Best Practice” and has consistently ranked among the top continua in the nation.

Entry Filed under: Broward News