The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is awarding the City of New Bedford $1.8 million to address homelessness in the city.

Programs for the homeless are administered by the City's office of Housing and Community Development and the New Bedford Homeless Service Provider Network.

Mayor Jon Mitchell says the annual grant enables local organizations to offer critically needed housing and support services to homeless individuals and families.

The money will be distributed to nine local programs that serve the homeless community.  The largest chunk of money,more than a million dollars, will go to Catholic Social Services to fund permanent and transitional housing programs and support services.

Other organizations receiving funds include Reflections, Inc., Steppingstone Inc., and Positive Action Against Chemical Addiction (PAACA).

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