Lincoln, NE – November 23, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Mayor Chris Beutler today announced that a new program has been created with about $1.4 million to help the homeless and near-homeless in Lincoln. The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP). The program’s focus is housing stabilization – using temporary financial aid as a bridge to long-term housing stability.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s important for all of us to do what we can to help those struggling to keep roofs over their head and food on the table,” Mayor Beutler said. “The rapid re-housing component will help those without homes find shelter quickly. And the prevention program will help those affected by the economic downturn who face the real possibility of losing their housing in the near future.
Lincoln has directly received about $726,148 for the program, and the State allocated another $746,130 for use in Lincoln. The Mayor announced the HPRP at the Center for People in Need, where he also issued a proclamation Homeless and Hunger Awareness Month. The Center was hosting the tenth annual Hunger and Homeless Recognition Event.
The Mayor thanked members of our local Homeless Coalition for their help in creating this program. City staff worked with an advisory committee of coalition members and other stakeholders to develop this plan. Region V Systems has been designated as lead agency to handle administration, program delivery and coordination with other service providers.
Mayor Beutler thanked Region V and John Turner, the Region V Housing Coordinator who is heading the new program. Region V has hired one half-time and three full-time employees to implement the HPRP. Those wanting further information on the HPRP can visit www.region5systems.net or contact one of the Rent and Utility Assistance Network Agencies:
- Catholic Social Services – 474-1600
- Salvation Army – 477-9276
- Good Neighbor Center – 477-4173
- Lincoln Action Program – 471-4515
- The Indian Center – 438-5231
For More Information Contact:
Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831
Wynn Hjermstad, Urban Development, 441-8211
John Turner, Region V Systems, 441-4360
