Hawaii’s share of new federal money to help combat homelessness is $11.5 million.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Tuesday awarded a record $1.95 billion in grants to nearly 7,600 homeless assistance programs throughout the country as well as to Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

HUD’s Continuum of Care grants “provide critically needed support to local programs on the front lines of serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness,” according to a press release.

Kakaako Gateway Park with tents and bicycles. 15 april 2016.
Homeless tents and bikes and Kakaako Gateway Park, April 2016. Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Each year, it’s estimated that more than 1 million people experiencing homelessness are provided emergency, transitional and permanent housing. HUD says there were 549,928 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2016.

Hawaii has among the worst homeless situations per capita.

The renewed awards include $143,414 for Kalaeloa Permanent Housing for Veterans with Disabilities and $829,228 for Safe Haven.

Read the full Hawaii list here.

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