FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:    Ann Arnall, Lee County Human Services
                (941) 652-7930

FORT MYERS, Fla. (December 27, 2000) – During his last holiday address to the nation, President Clinton announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will award more than $1 billion in grants to help homeless individuals and families obtain housing and receive support services they need to get off the streets and become self-sufficient. The money will be distributed to Supportive Housing Program and Shelter Plus Care activities throughout the nation.

The homeless in Florida will benefit from $43.5 million in Federal funds, of which Lee County will receive nearly $1.7 million. Local organizations that will benefit from the grants and amounts received are: The Salvation Army ($1 million), Ruth Cooper Center ($247,000), Fort Myers Housing Authority ($192,000) and Disabled Veterans of America ($237,000). The awards were competitively based on the ability of the grantee to provide comprehensive and lasting services to the homeless. The Salvation Army received renewal funds for an ongoing homeless program that provides supportive services. In addition, the Ruth Cooper Center and the Fort Myers Housing Authority received funding for Shelter Plus Care Programs, which help pay rent and provide permanent housing for disabled individuals. The Disabled Veterans of American will utilize the funds to construct a 14-unit residence for homeless veterans.

Nationally, it is estimated that more than 200,000 homeless individuals will be helped by the grant. The total homeless population in Lee County is estimated at 2,200 on any given night.

Organizations interested in applying for grant money next year should attend the Jan. 9 meeting of the Homeless Coalition of Lee County’s Long-Range Planning Committee. The meeting is at 11:30 a.m. in the conference room of the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council, fourth floor of the Lee County Electric Cooperative Building at 4980 Bayline Drive in North Fort Myers.

The Homeless Coalition of Lee County also will conduct its annual " Homeless Census Blitz" in mid-February. Local volunteers and service agencies participate in this 24-hour effort to locate and document every homeless person in Lee County and make them aware of available services. To volunteer for the count, call Roy Quimby at the Health Planning Council, 433-6700.