$350,000 to aid Valley homeless
Recently awarded grant money totaling about $350,000 is expected to further help two local entities combat homelessness in the Valley.
The state grant monies will fund services and programs offered by Catholic Charities and Woman Haven, A Center for Family Solutions that help their respective clients secure housing.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development funds will specifically help Woman Haven’s rapid rehousing program, said Yereida Soto, director for administrative services.
“Without those funds it’s really hard to move our clients out of emergency shelter,” Soto said.
The center was awarded $141,259 from the California Department of Housing and Community Development, which also awarded Catholic Charities a $155,140 competitive and $61,539 noncompetitive grant.
As in years past, Woman Haven will use the Emergency Solution Grant monies on its rapid rehousing efforts, providing rental assistance for eligible individuals residing in substandard living quarters or homeless shelters.
The center’s rapid rehousing program had served 60 individuals last year. On average, the center will provide about $4,000 in housing assistance per client household, Soto said. Clients will typically receive financial assistance over periods ranging from a few months up to a year.
The center has been fortunate enough to receive similar grants from the state based on its prior track record administering various grants, Soto said.
The funding is also especially welcome considering Woman Haven’s woman’s shelter did not receive any additional grant funding this year, Soto said.