$4.5M awarded to aid homelessness efforts in and around Lawrence - WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren Ohio

Lawrence County Social Services will receive more than $4.5 million in state funds to help prevent and address homelessness in the region, the Department of Community and Economic Development announced Tuesday. The funding is part of approximately $27 million allocated across 38 counties through two statewide programs.

Lawrence County Social Services was awarded $4,523,176. The organization plans to use the money to contract with additional agencies and provide supportive services to residents across Armstrong, Cameron, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Potter, and Westmoreland counties.

The broader investment, announced by DCED Secretary Rick Siger, aims to offer services to individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The funding is distributed through the HOME-American Rescue Plan Supportive Services Program (HOME-ARP SS) and the HOME-American Rescue Plan Non-Congregate Shelter Program (HOME-ARP NCS).

HOME-ARP SS provides services such as housing search and counseling, transportation, case management, financial assistance for housing costs, and short- to medium-term rental aid. HOME-ARP NCS supplies funds for local governments to acquire and develop non-congregate emergency shelters.

"The funding approved today is one tool that will allow more individuals and their families to maintain a roof over their heads that they can afford," Secretary Siger said.