Congresswoman Laura Richardson has announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is pumping $6.1 million into Long Beach's effort to prevent and reduce homelessness.
HUD's decision comes as the area continues to be hammered by dramatic increases in homeless families, a trend aggravated by the current economic downturn affecting California and the nation, she said.
"With unemployment hitting its highest rate in more than two decades, thousands of families in Long Beach are at risk of losing their homes simply because the jobs do not currently exist to allow them to make ends meet," Richardson said.
"For the past several years, Long Beach has documented the homeless in the city, an estimated 3,909 in 2009, and their plight," the congresswoman added. "This HUD funding allows the city to provide a vital safety net so that friends, neighbors and families are not left to spiral into homelessness, which is often an endless cycle for them and the estimated more than 450 children."
The HUD funding is also designed to improve the ability for our veterans to maintain stable living standards, while also providing childcare assistance.
The new revenues are being distributed through its Continuum of Care programs, with the money going to Long Beach designated for specific supportive housing and shelter plus care programs. In addition to childcare assistance, veterans support and permanent and transitional housing programs, the designated programs include domestic violence shelters, job placement, healthcare and life skills training.
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
appearing Tuesdays, and also produces an occassional video
and column titled “On The Job,” which follows the hard-working
men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
As a Vet who would I contact for info on Housing?