SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB. (July 26, 2005)--Lt. Gov. Sheehy, on behalf of Gov. Dave Heineman and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), awarded $337,100 to the Housing Authority of the County of Scotts Bluff so the agency can help Monument Family Connections create a transitional housing/emergency shelter for the homeless.

Lt. Gov. Sheehy announced the award at the Housing Authority's 40th anniversary celebration today. The funds, from the Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust, will assist in the renovations of the former Social Security Administration building in downtown Scottsbluff, which will become the shelter.

"Facing the challenge of working your way back from homelessness to independence can be a long road," Lt. Gov. Sheehy said. "This project will not only help fill-in the gaps for those who are struggling by providing transitional housing, but will help ensure there is a safe option for individuals and families in need of the short-term protection an emergency shelter can provide."

The Housing Authority of the County of Scotts Bluff purchased the 4,000-sq. ft. building from the federal surplus building program for a $1 fee/30-year lease agreement. Monument Family Connections plans to manage it as a 20-bed transitional housing facility for families and individuals needing temporary shelter averaging 20 to 30 days. The facility will include sleeping rooms, kitchen facilities, men's and women's restrooms with showers, a laundry room, a commons area and a play area for children. Sleeping rooms will be designated for families, along with separate sleeping rooms for single women and men.

Services beyond temporary housing will include meals, the availability of computers for resume development and job searches and the coordination of transportation, clothing and employment resources with other providing organizations.

Recently formed by the Region 1 Panhandle Partnership Continuum of Care for Housing and Homelessness, Monument Family Connections is one of three homeless shelters under development in western Nebraska. The others are in Chadron and Sidney.

A Region 1 survey from July 2003 to June 2004 found 571 people without places to live and an additional 4,024 people at risk of becoming homeless throughout the Region 1 service area.

CONTACT:
Aaron Sanderford, Gov's Office, 402-471-1967
Paula Rhian, DED, 402-471-3760
Nancy Bentley, Housing Authority, 308-632-0473