BOSTON — A massive federal commitment to fight homelessness announced on Friday includes $2 million in aid to Lynn and Peabody organizations.
The federal Housing and Urban Development money will be directed to a broad range of services, including permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness and survivors of domestic violence.
The money, according to a statement released from U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s office, will also pay to help connect individuals at risk of experiencing homelessness with support and services and identify local service and housing needs.
“Everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home, and this new federal funding will go a long way toward realizing this basic right for families and individuals in Massachusetts who are experiencing homelessness — while also ensuring residents at risk of experiencing homelessness have access to assistance to prevent homelessness,” Warren said in the statement.
The federal funding breakdown provided in the statement listed Peabody-based Bridgewell, Lynn Shelter Association, Lynn Economic Opportunity and the substance abuse treatment program, Project COPE affiliated with Bridgewell, as major recipients of the $2 million in local money.
“This money will help our community fight homelessness and give people the security that comes with having a home, which ought to be a basic human right in the world’s richest country. When you’re worried about where your next meal is coming from and where you’re going to rest your head for the night, it’s impossible to think about getting a job or doing your homework,” said U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton.
The money will be distributed through the federal Continuum of Care (CoC) program that Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development (LHAND) plays a central role in facilitating at the local level.
“As the administrative agency of the CoC, we are excited that our congressional delegation has led the way to continue this funding of these programs that both fund permanent housing and much needed services. Board Chair Elaine White of Bridgewell continues to do a terrific job on behalf of all the agencies that are members of the CoC,” said LHAND Executive Director Charles J. Gaeta.
All told, $76.6 million in federal money will be distributed through Continuum of Care 217 Massachusetts homelessness prevention initiatives.
“The way we prevent homelessness from becoming hopelessness is by providing resources that help build dignity and opportunity,” said U.S. Sen. Ed Markey. “These HUD Continuum of Care grants will ensure that our cities and towns across the Commonwealth can serve the most vulnerable individuals and families in our communities and help them achieve a basic right every American deserves — a safe home.”
