2,128 Homeless Individuals in 24 Counties Will Receive Daily Shelter Through California Department of Housing and Community Development Program.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California Department of Housing and Community Development Director Lucetta Dunn announced the award of more that $34.5 million to provide shelter for 2,128 homeless individuals in 24 counties throughout the state.

Dunn stated, "The funding announced today will pay for the construction of emergency shelters and transitional housing for the homeless. Projects receiving funding are as diverse as a YWCA Job Corps Program in Los Angeles serving approximately 400 men and women daily to a youth shelter in San Francisco. These awards are consistent with Governor Schwarzenegger's Initiative to address homelessness."

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recently announced an initiative to address homelessness, including the formation of an interagency council, to collaborate and coordinate services and shelter for California's neediest. The initiative will support and develop strategies to help homeless individuals and families transition to permanent, stable housing and lives.

Implementing the Governor's initiative, the Department of Housing and Community Development has expedited the award of homeless funds provided by Proposition 46 -- approved by California's voters in 2002 -- which includes the Emergency Housing and Assistance Program -- Capital Development funds. This program makes forgivable, deferred interest loans for the acquisition, construction or rehabilitation of emergency shelters, transitional housing facilities or safe havens for homeless families and individuals. Awards are made to local governments and nonprofit companies that demonstrate an ability to effectively develop shelter facilities for the homeless and deliver support services that aid the homeless in transitioning to an independent living situation.

In two years, $98.7 million has been provided through this Program for shelter facilities to assist 9,055 homeless individuals and families throughout California. Dunn further stated, "Homelessness is a pervasive problem requiring long-term commitments by all of us to long-term solutions. Prop 46 funding has helped us help many, but partnerships with our cities, non-profits, faith-based organizations and community leaders must continue if we are to succeed in providing decent shelter for all in desperate need."

The California Department of Housing and Community Development is the State's lead housing Department and provides leadership, policies and programs to preserve and expand safe and affordable housing opportunities and promote strong communities for all Californians. The Department also supports increasing the supply of housing, especially affordable housing, and works to improve the State's housing conditions and the health and safety of its residents. The Department is part of the State of California, Business, Transportation and Housing Agency.

Los Angeles Region

In total, the Los Angeles Region was awarded over $9.6 million in nine different cities to provide shelter for 1,042 individuals and families through HCD's Emergency Housing and Assistance Program. (For details, see Editor's Note.)

San Francisco/Bay Area Region

The San Francisco/Bay Area Region was awarded $6.7 million in seven different cities to provide shelter for 315 individuals and families through HCD's Emergency Housing and Assistance Program. (For details, see Editor's Note.)

Greater Sacramento/Stockton Region

In total, the Greater Sacramento/Stockton Region was awarded $6.6 million in six different cities to provide shelter for 308 individuals and families through HCD's Emergency Housing and Assistance Program. (For details, see Editor's Note.)

Central Valley

The Central Valley received $3.5 million in four different cities to provide shelter for 162 individuals and families through HCD's Emergency Housing and Assistance Program. (For details, see Editor's Note.)

San Diego Region

In total, the San Diego Region was awarded $2.9 million in three different cities to provide shelter for 142 individuals and families through HCD's Emergency Housing and Assistance Program. (For details, see Editor's Note.)

Inland Empire 

The Inland Empire received $1 million to provide shelter for 40 individuals and families through HCD's Emergency Housing and Assistance Program. (For details, see Editor's Note.)

Other Regions

Other regions received over $4.2 million in five different cities throughout California, to provide shelter for 119 individuals and families through HCD's Emergency Housing and Assistance Program. (For details, see Editor's Note.)

Editor's Note:

For an electronic copy of this release, go to:

http://www.hcd.ca.gov/news/release/06212005_Press_Release.pdf

For a listing of total awards by Regions, go to:

http://www.hcd.ca.gov/fa/ehap/EHAP_Awards_by_Region.pdf

For a listing of total awards by Program, go to:

http://www.hcd.ca.gov/fa/ehap/All_EHAP_Awards.pdf

For further information, please contact: [e-mail]