WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith announced that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded Minnesota $47,520,331 in grants to meet the housing needs of Minnesotans impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. These funds, which Congress made available through the CARES Act, will help low-income families and Minnesota’s most vulnerable citizens, including the homeless. These relief funds will be awarded by using existing grant formulas so grantees can quickly help their communities.
“As Minnesotans continue to deal with the health and economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, it is more important than ever to ensure that all residents have access to safe housing,” Klobuchar said. “These grants from HUD will help meet the needs of our state’s most vulnerable populations, including the homeless, who now face an additional burden. I will continue working to ensure that safe and stable housing is available for all families in Minnesota.”
“Without a place to call home, it’s difficult to stay healthy and safe during the coronavirus pandemic,” Smith said. “I’m deeply concerned about Minnesota families who are scrambling to make ends meet and keep their housing. And I’m terribly worried about people who are experiencing homelessness. Packed shelters can be a breeding ground for the virus, and some people experiencing homeless have mental and physical health conditions that could make them more susceptible to getting the virus. These grants are a good step in helping house vulnerable Minnesotans.”
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