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July 1, 2008

CONTACT
Jeanne Atkinson, Communications and Legislative Services, (402) 471-8287 or jeanne.atkinson@dhhs.ne.gov

Lincoln – The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has awarded more than $2.8 million in grants to community-based programs that help some of our most vulnerable Nebraskans—those who are homeless or at high risk of becoming homeless.

"Nearly 56,000 Nebraskans were either homeless or at risk of being homeless at some point last year," said Todd Landry, director, DHHS Division of Children and Family Services. "These Homeless Assistance Program funds will help community organizations across the state provide safe havens and other resources to Nebraskans in need."

Along with assisting community programs in providing emergency shelter and temporary housing for people who are homeless, these grants will also help to encourage continuity, coordination and cooperation among state agencies and homeless assistance providers.

"Well matched services can help families access and maintain stable housing which increases economic self-sufficiency and improves the well-being of children and families," said Landry.

Agencies also work with families to prevent homelessness in the first place. This ongoing work is critical because approximately 80 percent of individuals and families who are homeless are homeless because of a natural disaster or financial burdens. They are homeless for a short period of time and generally do not become homeless again.

Sixty-five projects were funded for the year beginning July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2009. Grant funds originate from the federal Emergency Shelter Grant Program (ESGP) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the state Homeless Shelter Assistance Trust Fund (HSATF). Grant awards listed below include the ESGP funds awarded by HUD directly to Omaha: (A detailed list of specific awards and grants follows this news release.)

The Nebraska Management Information System Partnership (NMISP) also received an award. The NMISP is a statewide, non-profit organization whose purpose is to gather data about who is homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless in Nebraska. The data helps organizations better understand the characteristics of people who are homeless and direct resources where they are needed.

For more information on 2008 Nebraska Homeless Assistance Program Awards, or, to learn more about Nebraska’s Homeless Assistance Program, go to www.dhhs.ne.gov and search for "homeless."