Hare Announces Over $1 Million in Recovery Act Funds to Prevent Homelessness in Decatur, Springfield

September 23, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded Decatur $623,309 and Springfield $516,191 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the new Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP).These grants offer communities a resource to provide short- and medium-term rental assistance and services to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless or to quickly re-house those who are experiencing homelessness.

“It is undeniable that the current recession is due in large part to a housing crisis,” Hare said. “No American should ever be forced to sleep on the street. These grants will allow both those who are currently homeless and those in danger of joining them to receive short- and medium-term rental assistance. This will keep a roof over their heads during these tough economic times.”

Grants provided under HPRP are not intended to provide long-term support for individuals and families, nor will they afford mortgage assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure.   Rather, HPRP offers a variety of short- and medium-term financial assistance to those who would otherwise become homeless, many due to sudden economic crisis.  This can include short-term rental assistance (up to three months), medium-term rental assistance (up to 18 months), security deposits, utility deposits and/or utility payments, moving cost assistance, and hotel vouchers.  Payments will not be made directly to households, but only to third parties, such as landlords or utility companies.