Federal homeless assistance funds totaling more than $21.8 million have been awarded to the city of Seattle and King County for 2012-2013, making it possible to continue to provide a range of housing and supportive services for individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn announced the renewal grants on Dec. 20, 2011, following the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announcement of $1.5 billion awarded nationwide.

“Ending the cycle of homelessness for our most vulnerable residents requires many partnerships, and the renewal of this federal funding for housing and services sustains a critical piece of the safety net for thousands in need across our region,” said Executive Constantine, co-chair of the Committee to End Homelessness Governing Board.

“These annual grants are essential as we work to help people rebuild their lives and find safe and stable housing,” said Mayor McGinn, who sits on the Committee to End Homelessness Governing Board. “The federal funds are especially important in our efforts to preserve basic human services in Seattle and throughout the region.”

Community-based organizations joined with the City of Seattle and King County in submitting the annual joint application for McKinney Continuum of Care funding that supports local governments in providing homeless housing and supportive services. The funding is crucial to the ongoing work of the Committee to End Homelessness and the implementation of the regional Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness.

“Our efforts are making a difference in helping people to find and maintain stable housing,” said Bill Block, Project Director of the Committee to End Homelessness. “This award shows that our federal partners value our programs and recognize our progress.”

The $21.8 million award received by the Seattle/King County Continuum of Care supports a total of 1,776 units of housing: 754 units of transitional housing and 1,022 units of permanent housing for homeless people with disabilities. The total includes funding for two Safe Haven facilities that offer supportive housing for homeless adults with severe mental illness. Also renewed is funding for the Safe Harbors Homeless Management Information System, which collects data on services provided to homeless people in programs throughout King County.