Local families who are working hard to rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness got the good news that their housing will continue to be available in 2008, after their housing program received a $20.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The housing programs requested funding from HUD earlier this year as part of a countywide application containing 48 new and existing programs. Seven of those programs are located at Alameda Point. The HUD funding will continue to support the operating costs of the housing and the multi-service center where residents come for employment services, children's programming, and other supports that help them stay housed and improve the quality of their lives.

Marsha, a tenant at Alameda Point who did not want her last name used, emphasized how important the housing and the multi-service center has been to her. "It has provided a safe place for me and my family, and has supported me in my efforts to go back to school and get a job. My life has changed completely since I came here," she said.

"Over 600 formerly homeless individuals are transforming their lives at Alameda Point," according to Alameda County Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker. "This continued funding assures that transformation can continue."

"This grant represents a key step in the implementation of the EveryOne Home Plan, Alameda County's plan to end homelessness in 15 years," said Elaine de Coligny, director of that program. "This federal award is an example of agencies and local governments across the county coming together to bring resources to those most in need.

"If we are going to end homelessness in this county, we will need to maintain the housing we have, add more and keep it affordable to very low-income people," de Coligny said.

The Alameda Point residents are not the only ones who will benefit from the HUD grant. "The benefits of this funding will be felt throughout Alameda County," said Lai-Bitker. In addition to the programs funded in city of Alameda, another 12 programs assist residents throughout District 3, she said.

One of those is the Housing/Jobs Linkages Program, which provides families from shelters in Mid-, South and East County with housing scholarships and employment assistance for up to 18 months.

Desron Dill a recent graduate of the Linkages Program and a registered vocational nurse, expressed appreciation for the program and her relief that it will continue help other families like hers. She recalled moving into the apartment Linkages helped her find; "The day I got the keys to our new home was the best day of my life. I'd done it, gotten us into a small but clean two-bedroom apartment."

"The home mortgage crisis has made all Americans more aware what a struggle it can be to stay housed," Lai-Bitker added.