Contact: Jennifer Spann, Public Relations 601.359.3449
jspann@mississippi.org
Jackson, Miss. (August 3, 2009) – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved the State of Mississippi's plan to administer its Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP). Approximately $13.3 million in grant funds have been allocated to the state to implement the program.
"We are pleased HUD has approved funding for the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program," said Gray Swoope, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority, which is administering the program. "This program will provide real assistance to those in need or at risk and will help ensure the stability of our communities."
HPRP funds will provide financial assistance and other services to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless and help those who are experiencing homelessness be quickly re-housed. The program will specifically target individuals and families who would be homeless without assistance through the program.
The program is funded through HUD's $1.5 billion Homelessness Prevention Fund, which was established under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Additional details about the HPRP are available at www.mississippi.org. The Web site will be updated regularly as more information about the program and the implementation process becomes available.
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About Mississippi Development Authority
Mississippi Development Authority is the State of Mississippi's lead economic and community development agency. Nearly 300 employees are engaged in providing services to businesses, communities and workers in the state. While the agency is best known for its efforts to recruit new businesses to Mississippi, the Authority provides services to promote tourism, help communities improve their quality of place, help existing employers identify and meet opportunities and challenges and help workers improve their skills – all with the goal of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of Mississippians. For more information, visit MDA's website at www.mississippi.org.
