(Hauppauge, NY-March 22, 2012) Today, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and US Congressman Tim Bishop announced that under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), Suffolk County is receiving $267,176 to assist individuals and families in quickly regaining stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness.
“This federal funding will help Suffolk County residents who have seen tough times get back on their feet,” County Executive Bellone said. “As Suffolk County residents continue to deal with a slow rebounding economy these housing funds are critical. I want to thank Congressman Bishop and our federal representatives for their critical help in securing these funds.”
“I am pleased that increased federal funding I supported will allow local non-profit agencies to extend housing assistance for Suffolk County residents who need a helping hand as the economic recovery continues,” said Congressman Tim Bishop. “I applaud the efforts of County Executive Bellone and his team to support Suffolk’s most vulnerable residents.”
Under the terms of the grant, the funds will be directed to non-for-profit agencies to:
• assist with the operation of emergency shelters,
• provide homeless housing and supportive services, and
• prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless in the first place through funding of homeless prevention programs.
The Suffolk County Office of Community Development received 14 applications for the Emergency Solutions funding and following an internal review and consultation with the Suffolk Continuum of Care, a coalition of homeless prevention/shelter organizations, the Office of Community Development has selected 7 organizations to receive the ESG 2012 allocation.
The award recipients are as follows:
• The Retreat, East Hampton-- $70,000
• The Ministry For Hope, Inc., Port Jefferson-- $16,175
• Nassau/Suffolk Law Services Committee, Inc., Islandia-- $93,873
• Mercy Haven, Inc., Islip Terrace-- $19,050
• Options for Community Living, Inc., Smithtown-- $24,350
• Suffolk County United Veterans, Riverhead-- $19,938
• Brighter Tomorrows, Shirley-- $23,090
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