Arizona gets nearly $6 million in federal funding to fight homelessness

PHOENIX – Arizona nonprofits and government agencies are getting nearly $6 million in federal funding to combat homelessness.

The $5,950,572 comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Emergency Solutions Grant program.

The Arizona Governor’s Office said Tuesday in a press release that $4.35 million is for shelters, programs and services that help people experiencing homelessness, and $1.6 million is heading to programs that aim to prevent homelessness.

The largest chunk, $1.6 million, is allocated for unspecified homeless shelters, according to the release.

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (the state’s Medicaid agency) is receiving the next biggest amount, $1 million for housing vouchers for people with mental illness.

Three $500,000 grantees were listed: Arizona’s Domestic Violence Services Fund, which will distribute the funds to domestic violence shelters; the Jerry Ambrose Veteran Council of Mohave County to help veterans experiencing homelessness; and Arizona Department of Child Safety to focus on homelessness prevention in the foster care system.

The release announced 10 other awards ranging from $100,000 to $250,000.

“These dollars will go toward shelter for domestic violence victims and families in need, services for pregnant women, programs leading to independent living, support for kids in out-of-home care and more,” Gov. Doug Ducey said in the release.

“I am grateful to the men, women and organizations working to support Arizonans in need. My thanks also to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for this Emergency Solutions Grant funding to provide aid throughout the state.”

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