State Representative Craig Newbold (1st - Columbiana) has announced that the State Controlling Board approved the release of funding through the Homeless Assistance Grant Program, which provides funding to eligible local governments, non-profit organizations, public housing authorities, and consortia of eligible applicants for housing assistance and services to prevent homelessness.

Specifically in Columbiana County, the Columbiana County Community Action Agency received $127,400 and the Columbiana County Mental Health Clinic received $215,700 in grants.

“I’m pleased to see the assistance released from the state to help the homeless and those needing housing aid,” Newbold said. “In these difficult economic times, we all need to help those in need to the best of our ability. Improving our state economy continues to be our primary objective to provide employment opportunities for more of our citizens. A rising economy will help more people raise their standard of living.”

In total, the Department of Development received 85 applications requesting more than $20.5 million in assistance. An in-depth review was conducted according to the program’s rating criteria, which consist of program impact, need, budget accuracy, targeting, organization history, staff experience, program feasibility, program coordination, project design/outcomes and Homeless Management Information Systems (HMS) implementation.