HUD awards homeless grants in Butler, Warren counties

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two area housing agencies in Butler and Warren counties are among 246 organizations in Ohio slated to receive a portion of more than $52.9 million in competitive grants aimed at helping the homeless.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that the Obama Administration is providing more than $1.4 billion to assist 6,400 existing programs nationwide to continue to assist critically needed housing and services to homeless persons and families as part of HUD’s Continuum of Care programs.

Receiving one-year awards are the Warren Metropolitan Housing Authority and the YWCA of Hamilton.

Warren Metropolitan Housing Authority is receiving $184,574 for its Transitions I program, and $390,159 for its Transitions II program.

According to the Warren County agency’s Web site, the program was established in 1991 to assist the county’s homeless families through a two-year program. The program works with local shelters to provide housing, rent assistance and supportive services.

Services include subsidized housing, case management, money management, life skills classes, educational training and employment skills.

The YWCA of Hamilton is receiving $119,320 for its Goodman Place program.

According to the YWCA’s Web site, the Goodman Place is a supportive, residential program for women who are homeless and mentally ill. Services include diagnostic assessment, individual and group counseling, independent-living skills training, a literacy program, a culinary arts program and access to a variety of support groups meeting at the YWCA including Alcoholics Anonymous and domestic violence support groups.

HUD officials said it’s working to provide renewal grants to prevent any interruptions in federal assistance and will announce new funding to new projects in 2010.