Rep. Lofgren Announces More Than $420,000 for Community Shelter & Housing Assistance in the Salinas Valley

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced that the California Department of Housing and Community Development will distribute a total of $421,576 in federal funding to governments and nonprofits in Salinas and Watsonville from the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program.

The FY22 consolidated appropriations package that Reps. Lofgren voted in favor of appropriated the ESG funding that is being delivered around the country.

“As a former founder of a housing nonprofit organization, I am acutely aware that homelessness is a serious problem throughout California and in the Salinas Valley. I am glad to announce this funding that will importantly enhance community emergency assistance efforts. I am committed to boosting federal investments in programs that uplift underserved communities and/or make housing more accessible and affordable,” said Rep. Lofgren.

Rep. Lofgren announced the following three grants:

• $269,709 for the City of Salinas for emergency shelter, street outreach, rapid re-housing assistance, and grant administration.
• $75,934 for Families in Transition of Santa Cruz County, Inc.,for rapid re-housing assistance, and a Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• $75,933 for Housing Matters in Watsonville for rapid re-housing assistance.

Under the ESG program, the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is authorized to make grants to states and, then, the states must allocate the resources to local governments and nonprofits. The program aims to help individuals and families quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness.

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