Diaz-Balart Committed to Finding Answers on Homeless Grant Award

WASHINGTON – (RealEstateRama) — This morning, at the request of Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro met with Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez and Diaz-Balart’s senior staff to discuss the homeless grant award. HUD’s homeless assistance program has become increasingly competitive as HUD directs more funding to grantees that allocate resources to projects known to deliver better outcomes like permanent housing and rapid re-housing.

Diaz-Balart, Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement:

“Like many in South Florida, I was disappointed to learn of the loss of over $5 million in funding for essential homeless programs in the county. As we continue to gather information on the award, my staff and I will work with HUD to gain a clearer understanding of the agency’s decision making process and, perhaps more importantly, why HUD found the Homeless Trust’s grant application to be less competitive. Together with the Homeless Trust, county leadership, and concerned stakeholders, we must refocus our efforts on providing solutions that effectively help reduce homelessness in our community. I am grateful to the Secretary and his staff for accommodating the meeting this morning at such short notice.”

Since 2015, Diaz-Balart has served as Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee. As Chairman of this Subcommittee, Diaz-Balart has jurisdiction over and sets funding levels for various transportation and housing programs, including homeless assistance grants.