Washington, DC – Representatives Lofgren and Honda (D-San Jose) announced today that the City of San Jose and Santa Clara County will receive grants totaling $21.7 million.  The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants include funding for Community Development Block Grants, the HOME Investment Partnership Program, the Emergency Shelter Grant Program and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS.

“I hope these grants are a successful effort to ease the financial burden that so many people in our community feel right now when considering housing,” Rep. Lofgren said.   “One third of the households in Silicon Valley have experienced a lay-off since President Bush took office.  Any improvements to make housing more affordable in this weakened economy will make a difference.” 

"Housing costs in the Silicon Valley have been extremely high for many years.  To make matters worse, the Bush administration's disastrous handling of the economy makes it difficult for many moderate and low-income families to find decent housing, and be on the path to home ownership," said Rep. Mike Honda.  "I am glad that federal funds will be available to help some families in need.  This is a step in the right direction, but the Bush Administration needs to do a lot more to give relief to the Silicon Valley."

The $18,525,227 in grants for the City of San Jose include:  

• $12,432,000 in Community Development Block Grant 
   
• $4,869,227 for the HOME Investment Partnership Program 
   
• $437,000 for the Emergency Shelter Grant Program 
   
• $787,000 for Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS

The $3,215,659 in grants to Santa Clara County include:   

• $2,215,000 in Community Development Block Grant 
   
• $911,659 for the HOME Investment Partnership Program 
   
•  $89,000 for the Emergency Shelter Grant Program