This week, U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., announced that Central Florida was getting almost $20 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Murphy, one of the co-chairs of the New Democrat Coalition’s Housing Task Force, noted the funds would go to Orange and Seminole Counties and to Orlando “to expand the supply of affordable housing, revitalize communities, reduce homelessness, and help individuals with HIV/AIDS find suitable homes”
“Central Florida is among the fastest-growing regions in the country, but the supply of affordable housing has not kept pace,” said Murphy. “These targeted federal investments will not only help more families find affordable housing, but they will also make our community stronger for everyone by reducing crime, strengthening our economy, and enhancing our overall quality of life. I’ll keep working in Congress to support development in our region and to help more families find a good home.”
Orlando will be getting $7.4 million under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program, the HOME Investment Partnerships program and the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program. Moving to the count level, Orange County is penciled in for $9.7 million and Seminole County will receive a total of $2.8 million through the CDBG, ESG, and HOME programs.
“Through the CDBG program grant recipients use funds to construct quality housing, improve public infrastructure, and expand economic opportunities for working families,” Murphy’s office noted. “ESG grants are used to help families find permanent housing after they experience a housing crisis or homelessness and HOME grants fund housing costs for low-income families. Under the HOPWA program, grants fund projects that benefit low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are over 10,000 individuals living with HIV or AIDS in the Orlando metropolitan area.”
Representing a swing district in Central Florida, Murphy is a Republican target in November. She will face Republican state Rep. Mike Miller, R-Orlando, in next month’s general election.
