Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded more than $2.6 million to help Alabamians who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless to obtain shelter. YWCA of Central Alabama that serves Blount, Jefferson and St. Clair counties will be awarded $300,000 of the grant.

The funds from the federal Emergency Solutions Grants program will enable 14 regional agencies to provide shelter, legal and health services and other assistance to help individuals and families who face losing their homes or are already homeless.  

“The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every Alabamian; some more adversely than others,” Gov. Ivey said. “Although not tied to the pandemic, these funds will nonetheless provide some relief to many who through the pandemic or some other situation in life find themselves without a roof over their head.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.

“Emergency Solutions Grants do much more than ensure people obtain adequate housing,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “They also include measures and programs that help people get back on their feet and become self-sufficient.”