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Washington, Dec 23, 2011 - The Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced it will award Washington State $38.6 million to support more than 200 projects that address homelessness. The grant is a part of $1.47 billion Continuum of Care awards that ensure more than 7,100 homeless programs around the country remain operational in 2012.

According to the Washington Coalition for the Homeless, there are approximately 23,000 people who are homeless on any given night in Washington State.

“The increasing rates of homelessness and unemployment have placed more individuals and their families at risk,” said Congressman Smith. “These grants will help keep the doors open for programs that serve a critical role in our community by providing emergency assistance and supporting those who are most in need.”

In 2005, the Washington State legislature passed the Homelessness Housing and Assistance Act, requiring each county to develop a plan to end homelessness. Current programs include:

• Homelessness Prevention: Rent and utility assistance, first and last months rent, credit repair, moving costs, etc.
• Emergency Shelter: Up to 90 days of shelter.
• Transitional Housing: Up to 24 months of subsidized housing and supportive services like counseling, child care, employment training, budgeting and asset building.
• Permanent Supportive Housing: Ongoing subsidized housing with supportive services.
• Subsidized or Public Housing: Housing that is permanently affordable to people earning 0-80% of the area median income.
• Homebuyer Assistance Programs: Down-payment assistance and flexible loan products aimed at helping low income households purchase a home.