POTTSVILLE, Pa. – Thursday, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) announced that Berks and Luzerne Counties have been awarded over $2.4 million dollars by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to support homeless Americans and individuals at risk of becoming homeless.
Berks County and Luzerne County each received Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), totaling $1,051,989 and $681,192, respectively. This funding will support homeless families and individuals who have been affected by COVID-19. The grants are intended to limit the spread of the virus among the homeless population and to prevent increases in homelessness due to financial distress. Today’s ESG announcements are in addition to the $707,893 and $1,226,697 awarded to Berks and Luzerne Counties, respectively, in initial allocations.
About HUD’s ESG-CV Funding:
In accordance with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, HUD developed a new formula for these awards, accounting for variables that quantify the population currently experiencing and at risk of homelessness. This funding can be used to:
- Make more emergency shelters available for homeless individuals and families.
- Operate emergency shelters by providing food, rent, security, maintenance, repair, fuel, equipment, insurance, utilities, furnishings, and supplies necessary for their operation.
- Provide Hotel/Motel Vouchers for homeless families and individuals.
- Provide essential services to people experiencing homelessness including childcare, education services, employment assistance, outpatient health services, legal services, mental health services, substance abuse treatment services, and transportation.
- Prevent individuals from becoming homeless and rapidly rehouse homeless individuals.
Read the HUD Press Release HERE
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