Oklahoma has received over $18 million in federal funding to help tackle homelessness in the state. The money comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as part of a larger $3.6 billion national effort to fight homelessness. This initiative was launched by the Biden-Harris administration in the final days of their term.
Most of this funding will be used for programs in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, the two largest cities in the state. The goal is to provide support in the form of housing assistance, services to help people get back on their feet, and resources for better planning and tracking of homelessness-related issues.
The funding is part of HUD’s Continuum of Care (CoC) Program, which is the biggest source of federal money dedicated to helping homeless people. Each year, communities across the U.S. apply for CoC funding, and this year, nearly 400 communities applied, with over 7,000 projects getting approved. These projects are run by nonprofit organizations, local governments, and other groups, all working to help the homeless.
What’s New This Year?
HUD has made a few changes to the CoC program this year. One of the biggest updates is a simpler, two-year application process. This will help make sure that funding reaches the right people more quickly. Another key change is a cost-of-living adjustment, which means that communities will get a little more financial help to cover rising costs.
These updates are designed to help communities provide better support to people on the front lines, such as those working directly with the homeless population.
Why This Funding Matters
Homelessness continues to be a big issue in Oklahoma and across the United States. In recent years, the number of homeless people has been rising in many cities. The new funding will go a long way in supporting programs that give people who are homeless a chance to rebuild their lives. Whether it’s finding a place to live, getting access to job training, or receiving health services, these funds will make a real difference in helping people get back on their feet.
For Oklahoma, this funding means more resources will be available to support the homeless population, including those who are struggling with mental health or addiction issues. Local agencies and organizations can now expand their work and reach more people in need.
What’s Next?
This funding will be used to support various programs in the state, including efforts to prevent homelessness, provide emergency shelter, and offer long-term solutions. It’s also going to be used to track and measure progress, so officials can understand what works and what needs improvement.
While $18 million is a significant amount of money, it’s clear that homelessness is a complex issue that will require continued support and attention. The new funding is just one part of a much larger effort to tackle homelessness nationwide.
(Source : kosu.org)
