Washington, DC – Congressman John L. Mica (FL-07)today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded grants in the amount of nearly $13.5 million to cities and counties in Florida’s 7^th Congressional District.   The awards are being distributed through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) and HOME programs.

 “These competitively awarded grants will help our community meet the needs of our neighbors as they struggle with the still lagging economy,” stated Congressman John Mica.  “I congratulate our local governments that who successfully submitted thoughtful and responsible proposals to meet the needs of our constituents.”

The CDBG program provides annual grants to States and local units of government to develop urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate- income persons.

The ESG program provides annual grants to State, local and private entities to improve the quality and number of emergency homeless shelters.

The HOME program helps to expand the supply of decent, affordable housing to low- and very low- income families by providing grants to States and local governments to fund housing programs that meet local needs and priorities.