DETROIT – Michigan was given $1.8 million in federal funding to address homelessness in rural and Indigenous communities.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $315 million in grants this week to boost resources for ending homelessness in 46 communities. Chicago and Los Angeles, both awarded the largest grants, were given $60 million to reduce unsheltered homelessness.
Michigan homelessness rates dropped during the pandemic which officials attribute to rental aid and a ban on evictions.
Related: Homelessness in Michigan fell during the pandemic. Here’s why.
Funding will be used in Michigan to work with tribal nations on homelessness programs, according to a news release. The state recently reported people of color face higher rates of homelessness with Black people being up to four times more likely and Indigenous people twice as likely.
“These grants, as well as the coming vouchers, will give Michigan the resources it needs to solve unsheltered and rural homelessness humanely and effectively via a Housing First approach providing housing and services to address people’s unique needs,” said a statement from HUD Midwest Regional Administrator Diane Shelley.
Additional housing vouchers will also be allocated to the communities that were awarded grants.
Related: After years of waiting, Michigan Section 8 renters race to find housing
The federal housing agency last awarded Michigan 511 vouchers valued at $4.4 million in September. Housing choice vouchers provide rent subsidies for people who have low-incomes and live in privately owned homes and apartments.
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge said this is the first time the federal government is targeting resources to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness in “unsheltered settings or rural areas.”
“With these grants and vouchers, HUD is filling this gap and giving communities the resources and tools to improve housing and health outcomes for people on the streets, in encampments, under bridges, and in rural areas,” Fudge said in a statement.
The American Rescue Plan of 2021, enacted to provide pandemic relief, allotted $214 million for 100,000 new housing choice vouchers and $5 billion for homelessness grants.
More on MLive:
‘Skyrocketing’ housing costs, end of COVID aid prompting rise in homelessness in Washtenaw County
Holland homeless shelter in ‘urgent need’ of food donations after fire ruins most of pantry supply
Muskegon County calling on community to help identify individuals experiencing homelessness
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