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Monday, July 21, 2003

Secretary Martinez and Labor Secretary Chao Announce Grants to Provide Permanent Housing and Jobs to Chronically Homeless Individuals

Last Friday, Secretary Martinez and Labor Secretary Elaine Chao said their Departments will offer $13.5 million to local employment centers and housing providers to help chronically homeless people become less dependent and more self-sufficient, a move that is expected to benefit hundreds of individuals.

HUD will provide $10 million and DOL will contribute $3.5 million toward the joint initiative. The announcement represents another coordinated effort designed to meet the Bush Administration's goal of ending chronic homelessness in ten years.

"Today, we take another step toward a day when persons living with disability, addiction or mental illness will no longer have to call the streets their home," Secretary Martinez said. "By providing a permanent home and a job to our most vulnerable neighbors, we can meet the Administration's goal of ending chronic homelessness in this country."

"In keeping with the promise of President Bush's New Freedom Initiative and his goal of ending chronic homelessness, today's action will expand the delivery and implementation of 'customized employment' strategies for people with disabilities, so that they may live, work and fully participate in their communities," Secretary Chao said. "I applaud HUD's partnership with DOL as well as the input of the White House Interagency Council on Homelessness. Together, our efforts will bring a better way to help individuals with disabilities out of chronic homelessness."

The DOL portion of each grant will range from about $500,000 - $625,000, and is designed to increase and improve employment opportunities for persons with disabilities who are chronically homeless. HUD will provide approximately $2 - 3 million grants for housing this population.