Washington, DC—The Department of Mental Health has received a $938,000 grant over a five year period to provide housing subsidies for homeless persons with mental health disorders who also may suffer from substance abuse and/or HIV/AIDS. 

The grant, made by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Shelter Plus Care program, will help pay rent for permanent housing. According to HUD, a homeless person with a mental health disorder is at a high risk of experiencing long-term or chronic homelessness.

“This is a great opportunity for us to help homeless people suffering from mental illness get off the streets and into safe, decent housing where they can get the support they need,” said Stephen T. Baron, Director of the Department of Mental Health. “It makes it easier for people to access services and focus on treatment and recovery.”

For more information about the program, contact Edith Makenta, DMH Director of Housing, on Edith.Makenta@dc.gov.