Beginning this week, Arlington residents at risk of homelessness can apply for assistance through the City's Homeless Housing and Services Program (HHSP). The HHSP is a state funded initiative that will be used to help the homeless and those at risk of homelessness. The City utilizes funding provided by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in furtherance of its City Council adopted 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. The Housing Authority of the City of Arlington (AHA) manages and operates this grant on behalf of the City. The HHSP has operated annually since 2010.

The $189,492 HHSP grant will be primarily utilized to prevent homelessness before it begins. For persons already homeless, the grant will be used to help the homeless re-enter stable rental housing by assisting with payment of the security deposit and first month's rent. The City anticipates that it will serve approximately 200 homeless persons (80 homeless households) from November 2014 - August 2015.

The HHSP targets renters who are in imminent danger of homelessness that meet program income limits and who, without assistance, would be evicted from their rental unit and become homeless. This resource is for persons that meet the eligibility criteria and have the ability to remain stably housed after the receipt of this assistance.

"The HHSP has proven to be a valuable resource to help address homelessness in Arlington and in the other large cities in Texas. This resource compliments the outstanding work performed by Mission Arlington, the Arlington Life Shelter, SafeHaven, the Salvation Army and numerous churches and faith-based agencies serving those most vulnerable in Arlington," said AHA Executive Director, David Zappasodi. "HHSP is also a limited resource that we apply strategically. We help households that can sustain their rental housing on a going forward basis as a condition for paying their past due rent."

Additional information about the HHSP can be found at:

www.arlington-tx.gov/pds-housing/housing/rental-assistance/evictionhomeless-prevention/

You also can contact the AHA Homeless Assistance Programs staff at 817-276-6713.