LYNN — The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) more than $2 billion in aid to expand housing and supportive services for homeless individuals and families includes more than $1.8 million for Lynn.
As lead administrative agency for the Lynn Continuum of Care (Lynn CoC), the Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development (LHAND) works closely with provider agencies to coordinate and operate the programs. Currently serving as the Chairperson of the Lynn Continuum of Care is Elaine White.
“Bridgewell is thrilled to be the recipient of four HUD Continuum of Care Program funding awards and we look forward to continuing our work in partnership with LHAND,” said Kelly J. Martin President and CEO of Bridgewell. “These awards will provide much needed assistance to people experiencing homelessness, including many with a dual diagnosis of developmental and psychiatric disabilities.”
“These funds help provide individual men and women in Lynn with permanent housing, support and case management that is crucial to overall stabilization,” said White. “As a result, people experiencing homelessness can now begin the process of reentry into mainstream society.”
White is director of housing at Bridgewell, one of the agencies set to receive renewal and new funding.
Matthew Doherty, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, called Continuums of Care “critical leaders in the work to end homelessness nationwide.”
LHAND, now in its 70th year of service, has continued to evolve as an agency. Providing homelessness services is cornerstone of the approach to helping families obtain and maintain stable housing.
Executive Director Charles J. Gaeta places a great emphasis on helping families reach their full potential. Through these programs, as well as those offered through the Family Success Center, families across Essex County can access the supports to gain economic independence.
“LHAND is pleased to receive these funds and to continue to administer them on behalf of the Lynn Continuum of Care. Since 1994, we have been working with the leading representative agencies from the CoC to provide housing services to Lynn’s most vulnerable population,” said Gaeta.
