September 09, 2009

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Governor Kaine Announces More Than $11 million in Grants Through Homelessness and Rapid Re-Housing Program
– Funds will provide homeless with housing relocation, stabilization, and financial assistance –

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced more than $11 million in grants through the Homelessness and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), authorized through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The HPRP program is designed to provide assistance and support to prevent homelessness or to quickly re-house and stabilize those who are currently homeless.

"These funds will serve as a safety net for individuals and families in the Commonwealth who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes," Governor Kaine said. "By helping the homeless obtain housing and providing temporary financial assistance to prevent others from becoming homeless, we can help many Virginians overcome tough times."

The HPRP program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD has provided funding directly to 13 entitlement communities in Virginia. Non-entitlement communities could apply for funding through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

"DHCD currently administers the state's Homeless Intervention Program, which is similar to the HPRP in aiding families with temporary rental assistance or support services to help them avoid or overcome homelessness," said DHCD Director Bill Shelton. "We expect the HPRP to be run similarly, however on a larger scale."

Today's announcement awards funding to 23 sub-grantees responsible for administering the HPRP program in localities throughout the Commonwealth. Funds should be available to sub-grantees by early October.

Eligible families must be at or below 50 percent of the area median income and must be either homeless or at-risk of losing their home, without appropriate subsequent housing options and without the financial resources and support networks available to obtain immediate housing or remain in existing housing. Additionally, families or individuals receiving assistance must be evaluated and recertified every three months.

"The funding is designed for families and individuals who would be homeless, but for this assistance," Shelton said. "It is designed to serve as a true safety net."

Individuals who are homeless or feel they may be at-risk of becoming homeless are advised to contact their local HPRP service provider directly to determine eligibility for services and schedule an initial consultation with a case manager.

A listing of organizations, their grant award and jurisdictions covered is below. However, all sub-grantees are required to provide services to eligible clients from any areas of the state.

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