New Bedford Receives $2 Million To Combat Homelessness

The Federal Office of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD is sending $2 million to New Bedford to fund programs that fight homelessness.

Mayor Jon Mitchell, speaking on his weekly radio program on WBSM, said the money will be distributed to ten local organizations.

Mitchell says the programs are members of the New Bedford Homeless Service Provider Network that link homeless families, veterans and other individuals to housing, employment and other support programs.

Among the recipients are the Southeast Regional Network, Catholic Social Services and the Veterans Transition House.

Mayor Mitchell also announced Wednesday that the Standard and Poor's Rating Service had reaffirmed New Bedford's bond rating at AA-, the same as last year and New Bedford's highest bond rating in at least 40 years.

The Mayor said the rating will enable the city to borrow money at a much lower interest rate than many other communities. He says the rating reflects Standard and Poor's faith in the financial management of the city.