Rep. Johnson announces $2.2 M for homeless housing, job training
Congressman: Funds support housing, job training, health care, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment and child care for homeless
LITHONIA, GA – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) today announced more than $2.2 million in Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants to provide permanent and transitional housing to homeless persons as well as job training, health care, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment and child care in Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District.
Called “Continuum of Care” grants, the funds are awarded competitively to local programs that help homeless Americans break cycles of homelessness and poverty.
“The recession has taken a huge toll,” said Johnson. “As our economy recovers, we must ensure everyone – no matter their circumstances – benefits from our efforts. These programs help people reach their personal goals and establish independence.”
“There is a tremendous need on our streets and in our shelters among those experiencing both long-term homelessness as well as families confronting a sudden economic crisis,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “These grants are the life blood for thousands of local housing and service programs that are doing the heavy lifting to meet President Obama’s goal of ending homelessness.”
The grants will fund programs throughout the Fourth District, including Action Ministries, Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Rainbow Village Inc., Our House Inc., Initiative for Affordable Housing, Jerusalem House, Progressive Redevelopment, Zion Keepers and Salvation Army.
“Some of these programs help our disabled veterans,” said Johnson. “We should do all we can to help those who have sacrificed to protect us to live more fulfilling lives.”
Tyese Lawyer, executive director of Our House Inc. in Decatur, which provides child care for homeless families, said the grant award will go a long way.
“Children are often forgotten in the homelessness crisis,” said Lawyer. “These funds allow us to provide a loving, safe, early learning environment, where parents can confidently leave their child while Our House helps parents seek employment and permanent housing.”
Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Voice: HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan (right) Mtamanika Youngblood, President/CEO of Sustainable Neighborhood Development Strategies, Inc., and U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson listen to Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed talk about what rebuilding efforts talking place in the Pittsburgh community recently.
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