St. Clair, Madison counties to get $1.1 million in grants to address homelessness

St. Clair and Madison counties have received more than $1.1 million in federal grants to address homelessness.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development gave $586,413 to St. Clair County and $566,987 to Madison County from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Belleville, stated in a Friday news release.

The funds are part of the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program, which will allow communities to provide short and medium term rental assistance, services to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless or help those who are already homeless.

The program does not provide mortgage assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure. The funds will be given to landlords and utility companies, and not directly to households.

"This is another way that we are addressing the impacts of the economic downturn," Costello stated. "Rental and other financial assistance will help keep families in their homes when they are facing a sudden economic crisis. This is a proactive program that saves money in the long run and is in the best interest of our communities."