Focus on sexual assault victims
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) has announced that both the city and county of Los Angeles will receive major federal funding to support housing and services for homeless individuals, including survivors of domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault.
In late January, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced nearly $3.16 billion in Continuum of Care program awards for more than 7,000 projects throughout the country. The L.A. region is getting about $188 million.
“Now, more than ever, we are doing all we can to get people off the street and into permanent homes with access to services. That is why we are making sure the service providers on the frontlines of this crisis have the resources they need,’’ HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge said in a statement.
Los Angeles Continuum of Care includes all cities in Los Angeles County, with the exceptions of Glendale, Long Beach and Pasadena. Each year, HUD announces a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity for the CoC program nationally, and LAHSA typically prepares and submits the funding application.
LAHSA officials said their organization will receive $10.26 million in new funding for two new housing projects–adding 435 units to the L.A. area’s inventory. In addition, $1.4 million will be provided to them for 47 beds going to domestic violence survivors experiencing homelessness in 31 time-limited slots.
“We are grateful to HUD and the Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs for renewing and expanding assistance for our rehousing programs. We look forward to bringing more people inside through supportive housing and increasing our efforts to help more domestic violence survivors find a home as a result of this funding,’’ LAHSA CEO Va Lecia Kellum Adams said in a statement.
