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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