FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Karen Hawes, Lee County Human Services
              (239) 652-7930

LEE HUMAN SERVICES RECEIVES GRANT FOR HOMELESS SERVICES

FORT MYERS, Fla. (November 24, 2004) - Lee County Human Services received the second highest score in the state on its challenge grant application for homelessness funds, meaning it will receive a top allocation of $137,500.

Department of Children & Families Interim Secretary Lucy D. Hadi announced Tuesday the award of $2.1 million in state Challenge Grants to help local organizations provide comprehensive services to Florida's homeless.

Lee County's allocation will go to 10 local programs that provide food, medicine, clothing and temporary housing for the homeless. The agencies operating the programs include the Salvation Army, Lee County Human Services and Southwest Florida Addiction Services (see attached breakout of funds). An estimated 1,308 people will be assisted.

Lee County was one of 21 homeless coalitions across the state serving 40 counties who received funding.

"Effectively addressing homelessness takes more than providing meals and shelter space, it requires prevention measures as well," Secretary Hadi said. "The Challenge Grants will support local homeless coalitions' Continuum of Care plans to help them offer a full array of services - from prevention and intervention to sheltering and transitional housing - needed to deal with both sides of this challenge."

Governor Bush in 2001 signed into law a bill that created the Challenge Grant program, the Council on Homelessness and DCF's Office of Homelessness. The Office, advised by the Council, develops and implements the state's homeless policy.