FOR IMMEDIAT E RELEASE

Local Contact: Linda LaFord
Telephone: (906) 635-5841
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2008

       Interim Executive Director Keith Molin of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) today announced funding for Sault Ste. Marie Housing Commission in the amount of $50,000 through its Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) Program - including Rural Homeless Initiative (RHI) Grants – for fiscal year 2008. The funds are being awarded to communities and local recipient organizations as part of an estimated $7.8 million in federal grants to be allocated this fiscal year across the state.
      “This is an important part of helping Michigan residents as they work toward economic recovery, housing stability and self-sufficiency” said Molin. “I am pleased that we are able to remain committed to those with the most urgent housing needs through programs like these.”
      The ESG Program offers financial assistance to public and nonprofit organizations that are responding to the needs of homeless populations through a comprehensive community-wide planning process and implementation strategy known as the Continuum of Care Plan. A total of 234 organizations representing 60 Continuum of Care areas serving all 83 counties in Michigan will share the estimated $7.8 million in combined MSHDA and federal ESG funding to help serve the more than 79,000 homeless Michigan residents.
      Included in the ESG Program is RHI with grants totaling $495,000 to help provide emergency homeless shelter in rural areas. These grants are awarded through MSHDA to enhance the capacity of rural communities to provide safe, effective and sustainable emergency shelter to homeless individuals and households.
      MSHDA is a quasi-state agency that provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, and address homeless issues.  MSHDA’s loans and operating expenses are financed through the sale of tax-exempt and taxable bonds and notes to private investors, not from state tax revenues. For more information on MSHDA programs and initiatives, visit the Web site at www.michigan.gov/mshda.

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