Federal grant will help area homeless efforts

St. Louis Post-Dispatch | March 13, 2012 | By Bill Lambrecht

WASHINGTON • Nearly $1.7 million in grants awarded Tuesday for programs in the St. Louis region will provide additional services for the homeless that range from emergency shelter to housing for people with mental disorders.

"Continuum of Care" grants in the St. Louis region were among 731 across the country totaling $201 million for programs not funded by HUD in the past. They bolster efforts to provide housing and services for homeless people afflicted with mental illness and chronic problems with alcohol or drugs

"If they have stable housing, they have a much better chance to kick their habit, to get back up on their feet," Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donavon told reporters.

The awards include: $931,000 for St. Louis County's Shelter Plus Care program, which offers a variety of services for the homeless; and $372,000 for the Places at Page in St. Louis city, which provides supported housing for people with mental disorders.

Bill Siedhoff, the city's director of human services, said St. Louisans should be pleased with the grant. "It's good news for us. It adds to the housing inventory in the city," he said, referring to homeless needs.

Other awards include:

• $187,000 for programs in East St. Louis, Belleville and St. Clair Co.;

• $149,00 for programs Madison County;

• $35,000 for services in St. Charles, Lincoln and Warren counties

BY BILL LAMBRECHT • Posted: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 4:20 pm on STLToday.com