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May 6, 2008Florida Homeless Program Receives HUD Award for Excellence |
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From HUD Press Releases: Funded in part by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Clara White Mission received this year's award for its aggressive plan to provide permanent housing solutions for chronically homeless individuals and families. For the past 11 years, HUD and the American Planning Association (APA) have recognized model programs which improve employment, education, housing opportunities, mobility and the standard of living for lower income persons. In presenting the award, HUD Assistant Secretary Darlene Williams added, "It is never easy to decide on one winner, given the high quality of so many nominations. HUD and APA's selection of The Clara White Mission is in recognition of the nonprofit organization's work to create a diverse network of public and private funding sources including the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, the Jessie Ball DuPont Fund, the Duvall County Housing Finance Authority and the Florida Department of Children and Families. More specifically, the Mission was recognized for transforming an old soup kitchen into a 36-unit facility that provides affordable housing, job training, child care, and a variety of other personal and family services. Last January, HUD awarded the Mission a renewal grant of $132,000. The mission is a key local partner in a national effort to ending long-term homelessness for persons living with a chronic condition such as mental illness, addiction or a physical disability. HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development and enforces the nation's fair housing laws.
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