Breaking Homelessness News: Tens of Thousands Detroit Residents Apply for HPRP Funds

Yesterday, I wrote what I considered an academic piece describing The Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), the $1.5 billion part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) that President Obama signed into law this past February.

Today, my friend, Maurice, sent me the following two videos published on YouTube - one of which has just been aired on television - which show what actual HPRP funding means to people in Detroit, Michigan: Tens of thousands of Detroit residents are standing in line to receive applications for HPRP assistance.

A few facts for background...

• The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that in 2006, the population of Detroit was 871,121.

• The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that in 2006, the population of Michigan was 10,095,643.

• In Detroit, the unemployment rate is nearly 30%.

• In the State of Michigan, the unemployment rate is 15%, the highest in the nation.

• Detroit will be receiving approximately $15 million in direct HPRP funds, plus an additional $3 million in HPRP funds through the State of Michigan for a total of just over $18 million in HPRP funding.

• The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) will be receiving approximately $22 million in HPRP funds, $3 million of which will be disbursed to Detroit.
Video #1: Associated Press, October 7, 2009 on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV2ngvYI_ZU

Video #2: WDIV, Local 4 News on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTV4xZR4vTo

I look forward to your comments.

Comments

[itolduso]

Christine- Thanks, as always, it is because of the efforts of caring individuals like you that we even learn of these efforts. Lately I have been hearing a lot of criticisms & remarks asking if the "government is going to be paying people's rents for good" . I'm really saddened at how callous & bitter some members of our society have become. Can't they understand that keeping people in their homes costs much less than finding them new shelter? Costs less than treating the illness & disease that comes from living 'on the street'? That these efforts are not a 'reward for doing nothing'... but merely an attempt to 'stop the bleeding' of our working people...skilled working people that have been wounded by corporate malfeasence, the shenanigans and greed of Wall Sreet, and the shortsightedness of political leaders that allowed the outsourcing of America's industry. That's what they should be angry about....the policies that allowed this to happen....not the meager efforts to prevent more suffering.

[Christine Schanes - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi, itoldyouso,

It's always great to hear from you.

I've read your educated, compassionate comment several times. I hope many others do to.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings.

Please stay in touch,
Christine

[SMZBaker]

This is an interesting short term fix for a long-term problem in Detriot. I'd like to see some tax benefits for businesses in Michigan... try to stimulate the economy a little. There is obviously a high rate of unemployment in Michigan because the auto makers have left town. So, is the government just going to keep paying everyone's rent for good?

[Christine Schanes - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi, SMZBaker,

Thank you for your comment.

I agree that stimulating the economy is key in Detroit and many other places.

The goal under the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program is to assist people in meeting immediate needs. Hopefully, this support will give the participants an opportunity to save money for future needs.

Please stay in touch,
Christine