FROM STAFF REPORTS

MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday, Dec. 17, announced that she has awarded grants totaling more than $2.5 million to help homeless Alabamians with immediate housing assistance and to help others who are in danger of becoming homeless, including those in Shelby County.

The funding from the federal Emergency Solutions Grant program will support organizations across the state that provide shelter, legal and health services, as well as financial education for families and individuals without a residence. The ESG program also can assist with moving costs, including rental and utility deposits, for these families.

“While many of us are looking forward to the holidays and spending time with friends and family, we should also remember that some of our fellow Alabamians are struggling to keep a roof over their heads, and others do not have a place to call home at all,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to award these grants to provide needed assistance to many families at a critical time in their lives.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.

“The Emergency Solutions Grant program helps Alabamians avoid homelessness and take steps to become self-sufficient,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join with Gov. Ivey to provide this assistance to local organizations that help families in need.”

The grants were awarded to 13 governments and community agencies that administer the program locally and assess individual needs for those seeking assistance.

Individuals or families requesting assistance can contact their local agency directly or may be referred by the program to a local shelter. Case managers screen applicants for program eligibility at the local level.

The $133,786 grant for Shelby County was awarded to the Shelby County Commission.