PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Homeless across the country will soon benefit from $2.8 billion from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Florida is earmarked for $114 million of that money, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Escambia and Santa Rosa counties could receive just over $800,000, according to the HUD website.

Opening Doors, an Escambia County nonprofit, that helps the needy is applying for that money.

"Generally speaking the emphasis is mostly on permanent supported housing," John Johnson, Opening Doors CEO said.

Johnson says the need has never been greater.

"We have a huge waiting list," Johnson said. "We have many families that are doubled up, tripled up, living on the streets."

The money would also support ongoing programs that help the homeless.

Last year, the City of Pensacola received $3.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act money from the federal government to help the homeless.

$2 million of that has already been allocated, including $400,000 to Re-Entry Alliance Pensacola to house up to 100 homeless in the Max-Well Respite Center on Palafox Street.

Money was also used to house the homeless in hotel rooms.

Bright Ridge Ministries opened up a men's shelter. And Pensacola Dream Center received money to rehouse homeless women.

There was also money allocated for mental health and support services.

Connie Bookman co-chairs the Homeless Reduction Task Force. She says officials are trying to decide how to allocate the remaining $1 million in federal money.

There have been talks about a nonprofit group buying the Motel 6 on Highway 29 to house the areas needy. Those plans are far from being finalized.