Homeless rent-assistance grant passed

A $936,495 rent-assistance grant was approved at Monday’s Spokane City Council meeting. The grant will assist homeless individuals, or those at risk of being homeless, said Sheila Morley, a program coordinator for the city of Spokane’s Community, Housing and Human Services Department. The grant money will be redistributed by the Salvation Army to Housing Eligible Needs (HEN) clients. Clients’ eligibility is determined by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. On average the HEN program gives rental and utility assistance to 250 people each month. It also provides essential needs (hygiene/health items, cleaning supplies, transportation) to around 380 people.