A $1.7 million boost from the federal government will help Clark County continue programs to prevent and end homelessness, as well as introduce new programs.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced Tuesday that 191 projects throughout Washington were awarded more than $58 million. The bulk of the money — $34 million — was awarded to the Seattle and King County area.
Andy Silver, executive director of the Vancouver-based Council for the Homeless, said the granting process for these particular funds is highly competitive. Even if money is available, it can get shifted away from lower-performing communities.
Clark County received $220,000 more this year than last year. To Silver, that means Clark County is on the right track.
“It’s pretty exciting that we’ve been able to do that and that even though homelessness not going down locally, the work being done is making a difference,” he said. “We’re being rewarded for that.”
This particular funding source is used for programs that assist clients with the highest needs and the greatest barriers to getting housing, Silver said. They need housing assistance for longer than other, lower-need clients.
The $1,738,388 will go towards 12 different programs.
That includes $153,414 for two new permanent supportive housing programs through Community Services Northwest: PSH (Permanent Supportive Housing) Northwest and PSH Northwest II. The programs are designed for families who have been chronically homeless and need a lot of assistance securing and maintaining housing.
Those programs will provide seven households with long-term rental assistance and services that increase their housing stability, which could include chemical dependency and mental health treatment, Silver said.
Since 2010, HUD has allocated more than $7 million to Clark County and $300 million statewide.
