Thursday, Mar 14 2013 4:05PM

National homeless programs received $1.5 billion from the HUD.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan affirmed the agency's support for more than 7,000 local homeless programs around the country designed to eradicate poverty and provide affordable housing assistance to individuals. 

The HUD announced $1.5 billion in grants from its Continuum of Care Program that will be disseminated to thousands of housing and service programs across the country. The agency is encouraging community groups to use the funds to implement proven strategies used to lower homelessness rates, such as providing rapid re-housing to permanent supportive housing for those suffering from chronic homelessness.

"The evidence is clear that every dollar we spend on those programs that help find a stable home for our homeless neighbors not only saves money but quite literally saves lives," said Donovan.  "We know these programs work and we know these grants can mean the difference between homeless persons and families finding stable housing or living on our streets."

Industry professionals were concerned that recent budget cuts would impact HUD funding for housing projects and homeless eradication. Although the most recent grants were not impacted by the sequestration, future funding may be impacted by reduced operating budgets. 

For more information, check out this resource: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development