Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Nevada will receive a total of over $3.5 million to apply to housing programs throughout the state.  From the looks of things, Las Vegas should be a major recipient.

Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV) just made the announcement on September 28, 2009.  ARRA funds fall under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and will be distributed through the two HUD programs, the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP) and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

Stating that this assistance is critical for areas in Nevada that have suffered under the foreclosure crisis, Congresswoman Titus is pleased that the funds will assist the state in keeping or putting a roof over the heads of many Nevada families.  She’s also encouraged that local governments will be provided with tools and resources necessary to assist them in keeping citizens off the streets and in housing through the use of the federal funds.  Too many citizens have lost their homes here in the state, stated Titus, and this will go a long way in helping people get on their feet.

At last glance, Clark County alone will receive $1,697,262 in CDBG money.  North Las Vegas will receive $443,222 in CDBG funds and $677,704 in HPRP funding, a total of $1,120,926.  The State of Nevada will receive $740,431 in CDBG funds.

CDBG funds help state and local governments provide affordable housing, suitable living quarters and financial opportunities, especially in poor communities.  HPRP funds help those who are in a financial crisis leading to homelessness, or those already homeless, to obtain rental assistance.  The intent is to prevent homelessness and help families get back on their feet and to quickly re-house those who become homeless.