Orange County Agencies Get Grants to Aid Poor

More than a dozen agencies serving Orange County’s poor and homeless were given an early Christmas gift Wednesday from federal housing officials who approved $6.48 million in grants that house and help people in need.

“It’s good news, it’s wonderful, we’re elated,” said Larry Haynes, executive director of Mercy House Transitional Living Centers of Santa Ana. “The money will dramatically improve the services we’re able to provide. This is a boost, a shot in the arm.”

The Department of Housing and Urban Development is awarding $850 million in grants nationwide to help more than 330,000 homeless Americans get housing, job training, child care, mental health services and substance abuse treatment, said HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo.

Mercy House is part of a countywide coalition that will get $2.4 million, the lion’s share of the county’s federal grant. It will be used for shelter, food, counseling, transportation and other services for the county’s homeless population, which is estimated as high as 15,000 people.

In addition to shelter facilities, the aid will also help homeless women with children, disabled people, victims of domestic violence and residents living in transitional settings, such as motels and hotels.

Dan Miller, interim director of the county’s Housing and Community Development Department, was satisfied with the grant’s approval in view of last year’s rejection of the county’s application by HUD officials.

In addition to Mercy House, other agencies that will get assistance include Laura’s House, a domestic violence shelter, Saddleback Community Outreach and Irvine Temporary Housing.