Homelessness is still a major problem in the Harrisburg area. In 2014, more than 630 people were reported to be homeless in Dauphin County. Now-- newly approved grants are expected to help programs put an end to this chronic problem in less than 10 years.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development approved $1.5 million in grants to support Harrisburg area homeless programs. The funds will go to the following facilities:
- $117,316 to Gaudenzia’s DELTA Transitional Housing programs, to rent for single-parent families (usually 2-3 people each) for six months to two years, during which Gaudenzia provides supportive services
- $88,771 to the Shalom House’s After Care Rental Assistance Program, a Housing First product providing rental subsidy and wrap-around services to women with children who have been chronically homeless
- $66,437 to the YWCA’s Housing for homeless veterans
- $146,072 to the YWCA’s YW-Works Singles & Working Parents programs, to provide employment preparation for homeless and chronically homeless single persons residing at Bethesda Mission, Shalom House and YWCA shelters, as well as outreach at the soup kitchens
- $247,401 to the Dauphin County Shelter Plus Care Program, a Housing First product that provides direct rental subsidy and wrap-around services to individuals who are severely mentally ill and chronically homeless.
- $129,656 for the YWCA’s Safe Haven for Women who are chronically homeless
- $66,099 to Brethren Housing Association’s Side-by-Side Housing for persons who are disabled & chronically homeless
- $109,150 for the YWCA’s Permanent Housing for people who are disabled and chronically homeless
- $317,210 for the Susquehanna Harbor Safe Haven for men who are chronically homeless
- $171,096 for the YWCA’s Transitional Housing for people leaving shelters
- $50,000 for the YWCA’s Linda House, providing housing to survivors of domestic violence
- $48,705 to the CACH HMIS Program, to operate, maintain and improve the HUD-mandated data collection and client Homeless Management Information System
- $19,844 for CACH Planning
The grant money comes from HUD's Continuum of Care Program. Mayor Papenfuse says the city is collaborating with the county and the capital area coalition on homelessness to maintain a network of services for homeless people, and this money will help these efforts.
"This didn't happen overnight, CACH chair Bryan Davis said, "but [the] network has been able to come up with programs, activities that actually move a family out of dependence to independence and do that with a sense of pride. "