Cohen Announces More Than $430K to Assist the Homeless

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today announced the Shelby County Government homeless program -- “There is No Place Like Home” -- will receive $434,634 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

“Memphis has far too many people living on the streets,” said Congressman Cohen. “These new federal funds will help the ‘There is No Place Like Home’ program provide the homeless with the permanent housing they need to secure jobs and become productive members of society.”

The ‘There is No Place Like Home’ program is operated by the Community Services Agency and will lease a number of apartments for permanent housing for the homeless. The project serves chronically homeless individuals disabled by mental illness and substance abuse disorders.

Case managers in the program will encourage participants to develop employment skills and obtain jobs through supportive employment programs. Shelby County’s goal is to help the participants find employment that is based on the person’s preferences, strengths, and experiences. Residents will be referred to programs that include peer support services through the Peer Center, which offers life skills classes, illness management and recovery education classes, anger management, and recreational activities.

The federal funds were made available through HUD’s Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance program, which funds a wide range of homeless assistance programs that include transitional housing, permanent housing and supportive services.