April 3, 2002

MILLIONS OF FEDERAL DOLLARS AVAILABLE TO
QUALIFYING PROGRAMS THAT HELP THE HOMELESS

Charlotte, NC – Each year, organizations that assist the homeless in Mecklenburg County have an opportunity to apply for federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Continuum of Care. 

HUD's Continuum of Care for homeless services includes Outreach Intake & Assessment, Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing with Supportive Services, and Permanent Housing/Permanent Housing with Supportive Services.  Essentially, the goal of the Continuum of Care is to help fund programs that address a variety of factors related to homelessness. 

A meeting on Thursday, April 4, from 7:00pm – 8:30pm will give interested public and private non-profit groups a chance to learn about qualifying for funding, the application process, grant matching and other requirements related to this funding.  This is also an opportune time for the general public to learn more about homeless services available in Mecklenburg County. 

Tomorrow night’s meeting will be at the Salvation Army’s new Area Command and Residence at 515 Clanton Road in Charlotte. 

Examples of eligible programs include transitional housing programs, permanent housing for persons with disabilities, supportive services such as street outreach to homeless, case management for homeless, Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation for Single Room Occupancy for Homeless Individuals, and Safe Haven projects for hard to reach homeless who are mentally ill. 

The Mecklenburg County Health Department has been responsible for coordinating the Homeless Community Action Plan process since July of 2000.

The Health Department’s Homeless Support Services provides assessments for the homeless and potentially homeless, connecting them with the public assistance programs that they are entitled to.  This can range from assistance with rent or utility bills, to placement in jobs, shelters, transitional or permanent housing.  

For more information about the Mecklenburg County Health Department’s Homeless Support Services, contact Megan Coffey at 704-334-7288.