By GAYLA CAWLEY
LYNN — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded more than $1.7 million to several Lynn agencies on Tuesday, which will provide critically needed housing and support services for homeless individuals and families.
The Lynn agencies receiving funding, which include Bridgewell, Lynn Economic Opportunity (LEO) and Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development (LHAND), are some of the 25 organizations that make up the Continuum of Care in Lynn.
LHAND serves as the lead administrative agency for the city’s Continuum of Care funds. Harry MacCabe, LHAND director of regional housing and services, and Olivia Lyons, LHAND program compliance manager, said some of the funding will go toward existing permanent housing programs intended to serve the homeless or disabled.
“I think that we’re very pleased to know that we’ve been funded,” MacCabe said. “It continues to build the partnerships here in the city for those who are homeless and disabled.”
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In total, HUD awarded more than $69.4 million in Continuum of Care grants to support 277 homeless housing and service programs in Massachusetts.
“This funding is critical to local Massachusetts programs that are on the front lines of helping those who might otherwise be living on the streets,” said Jim Reed, HUD New England Regional Administrator, in a statement. “The evidence is clear that every dollar we spend on those programs that help find a stable home for our homeless neighbors not only saves money, but quite literally saves lives.”
“In 01901 (Lynn), the poverty rate is as high as 1 in 3 residents, so anyone who gets laid off unexpectedly, or has an expensive medical issue not entirely covered by insurance, might find themselves unable to pay rent or mortgage, and about to be homeless,” said Kathleen McDonald, LEO director of development and communications. “Coordinating multiple services across a continuum can stabilize the crisis and prevent another family or individual from losing a place to call home.”
Gayla Cawley can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley.