Federal Grants Awarded to Aid Area’s Homeless

Local organizations that help the homeless have been awarded sizable grants by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as part of a nationwide program.

“It’s especially appropriate that these grants are being announced during the holidays, a time when home is especially important,” said U.S. Rep. Howard L. Berman (D-Mission Hills).

The local recipients are:

* The city of Los Angeles, which received $2.28 million.

* Los Angeles County, which will get $804,600.

* Women Advancing the Valley Through Education (WAVE), which received $749,618 for its Harbour Community project.

* The San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center of Van Nuys, which received $590,625 for its Homeless Health and Vocational Services Project.

* Beyond Shelter, which received $433,209 for its Pacoima Family Transition Program.

The grants are made available through the Supportive Housing Program, which assists organizations in buying, building, renovating and running facilities that help homeless individuals and families.