WASHINGTON, DC - The US Senate today approved Senator Herb Kohl's request to direct $194,800 to the United Way of Dane County to develop transitional housing for homeless families with children. This was included in the FY10 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. Senator Kohl, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, identified this project as a priority for funding.  

"There are many children who lack a safe place to call home," Kohl said. "This funding will provide homeless families transitional apartments in order to get back on their feet before they transition into more permanent housing." 

The United Way of Dane County will develop supportive transitional apartments for homeless families with children. The funds will be used to acquire and renovate an eight unit apartment building. The families in the units will have access to an on-site community room and a case manager who will help the family transition into permanent housing. The apartment buildings will be close to public transportation with easy access to grocery stores. Additionally, private donations will be used to support the project in addition to the federal funds. 

The funding measure was passed by the Senate, and now goes to the President for final approval.   

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