Racine receives big financial boost in effort to end homelessness

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Racine is getting a big financial boost for its effort to end homelessness. 

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson announced Tuesday, Jan. 21 nearly $2.2 billion in grants last week to support thousands of local homeless assistance programs across the nation, including nearly $25 million across the State of Wisconsin to support homeless programs.

HUD will make $673,000 available to Racine. 

A HUD administrator was in Racine for Tuesday's check presentation. The money will be used by several local groups dedicated to finding shelter for those who need it. 

"The challenge of insuring that every resident of our community has access to safe and stable and affordable housing, that's not a challenge we can overcome on our own. That's not a goal we can achieve on our own. We rely on these partners to help do this work together," said Vicky Selkowe, with the mayor's office. 

HUD pointed out that agencies in Wisconsin have made progress. There's been a 28-percent reduction in overall homelessness since 2010.