WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, John Sarbanes, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced the award of $13,187,737 for 32 projects to counter homelessness in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Continuum of Care (CoC) Program. This competitive grant program awards nonprofits, state and local governments and their agents for initiatives that provide transitional or permanent housing, rental assistance, or supportive services with the goal of ending homelessness.

“Increasing the availability of affordable housing is a complicated challenge with no one simple solution. This federal funding will support a variety of community-driven initiatives that make a real and meaningful difference for thousands of Marylanders,” said the lawmakers. “We are proud to represent many advocates and organizations working tirelessly to combat homelessness in our region and we remain committed to supporting their important work.”

Kirstin’s Haven, a Camp Springs organization focused on helping homeless veterans find sustainable housing, will receive federal funding through this grant program for the first time. According to founder and CEO Steven Foncham, “This grant will be life changing for the individuals we serve within our community. It will allow Kirstin’s Haven, Inc. to provide permanent housing solutions and offer families a place to call home.” 

This program is authorized under Subtitle C of Title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11381-11389). The CoC Program is designed to promote community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness; provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, and State and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to homeless individuals, families, and communities; promote access to mainstream homeless programs for individuals and families; and optimize self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

See below for a full list of the grants awarded in the region.

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