HUD Awards County $8.7 Million to Help Homeless

Orange County has received its largest federal grant yet aimed at helping a growing homeless population.

The $8.7-million award, more than double what the county received last year, will be used to provide beds and services to mostly working people who are unable to afford the soaring prices of rental housing.

Last year the county received $4 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for homeless assistance. The most recent grant will be used beginning in July.

Karen Roper, the county’s homeless coordinator, said the money will go to several nonprofit organizations to provide shelters, transitional housing, permanent assisted housing and other help.

The grant increase reflects the improved cooperation between nonprofit organizations and county government in assessing homelessness locally, Roper said. “Each year we are submitting a stronger quality application that demonstrates Orange County’s need.”

Orange County has an estimated 19,000 homeless people, a 6% increase over last year, but only 2,200 beds, Roper said. She said the need could increase because of the economic downturn.

County officials believe they have made great strides in applying for funds and in counting the homeless since 1997, when HUD awarded no local funding because it concluded there was no coordinated effort to help the homeless, Roper said.

“This is wonderful news to receive during the holiday season,” said Cynthia P. Coad, chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.