Federal stimulus to help Danville area homeless
Danville and Pittsylvania County will get extra help in fighting homelessness this year.
Support To Eliminate Poverty Inc. received an allocation of more than $545,000 in grant funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, according to a news release from Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s office.
The community action agency was one of 23 state organizations to receive stimulus money, which was provided through the Homelessness and Rapid Re-Housing Program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the release stated.
While STEP has offices in Franklin and Patrick counties, the homeless intervention provider would also serve Henry and Pittsylvania counties and Martinsville and Danville, executive director Jon Morris said.
“We’re helping folks that have been really affected by the economy,” Morris said. “We’re hoping to help families stay in their homes and get those who are already homeless back into homes.”
STEP, which also provides services in Head Start programs, weatherization and affordable housing, will work with Danville and Pittsylvania County partners to provide the help, Morris said. Agency staff will also come to Danville on a regular basis.
“We want to make sure the money gets spread throughout our region,” Morris added.
The funding can help people in danger of becoming homeless pay rent, help with moving expenses, utility bills and deposits.
Morris hopes to launch the program by the end of October or early November. The agency applied for the grant in June and gives credit to the Western Piedmont Better Housing Coalition for its help in the process.
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Reader Reactions
Wonder how many jobs that this created?
I would like to see some money to help the working poor and lower middle class—I feel sorry for the homeless but I work two jobs with an advanced degree and had to go to pawn shop this weekend to feed my kids—who is there to help me? no one—make too much for any assistance—so no need to hold my hand out—no ones there—
Sunny, I agree that it was unfortunate what happened to you. And I am glad you are back on your feet financially. But I do not believe these funds should have been part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This will in no way stimulate the economy as that act was supposed to do. I believe that those in similar situations to yours should be able to turn to churches and charitable organizations for help in those times of need. Government subsidies are usually hand outs instead of hand ups. Most people being helped by the government have no incentive to ever change and go back to being independently self sufficient.
Sunny; Sorry about your misfortune, but billions and billions of dollars have been spent on programs to help people. I was standing in line at the Wal Mart pharmacy and there were several women in front of me,and they all—1. Were all over weight, way over weight—and their children,(Each had five) were all over weight.2.When they went to pay—No money was passed—It was free.3.And most important of all—There were no Daddys.——Would you call this being HOMELESS? There is NO WAY that the United States can survive!
@ Sunny- Thank God everything turned out good for you. I believe stories like yours deserve to be heard by many people out there who are in the struggle…not due to drugs or addiction…but due to the trials of life that we are faced with. Everything we have can be taken away at any moment…no matter who you are or how much money you have. I really believe you made it through the storm through faith. Your story is so encouraging!!!
It’s about time the gov’t stepped in to help the homeless, where have they been so long? There’s no worse feeling than to be homeless,I know…been there,done that.When I was out there(I lost my job because of a car wreck and became disabled)lost my house too! I couldn’t get any help and lived in my car for months, from there it was a nightmare.I couldn’t even get food stamps because I had no address!Eventually my car gave out and I went from pillar to post trying to find a roof and food.
Four years later I finally was able to get on disability and with the help of the Hud First Time Homebuyers Program, I am now in a nice home with income and food.It’s not the best but I am very grateful to them for their help.I no longer have to suffer like a dog in the streets.Not all homeless people are on drugs, they’re just down on their luck like I was. So please don’t judge, it could be you someday.Help a homeless person and I’m sure you will be blessed in some way.
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