Wes Hickman for Senator Graham (202-224-5972) or Adam Temple for Senator DeMint (202-224-6121)

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded South Carolina more than $42 million in grant money for 2005. The awards consist of $26.51 million for the Community Development Block Grant Program; $12.99 million for the HOME Investment Partnership Program; $1.47 million for the Emergency Shelter Grant Program; $1.36 million for the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program; and $445,207 for the American Dream Down Payment Initiative.

• The Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) develops communities and provides housing by expanding economic opportunities for low and moderate income households.
• The HOME Investment Partnership Program creates affordable housing for by allowing communities to design and implement strategies tailored to their own needs and priorities.
• The Emergency Shelter Grant Program provides funds for the rehabilitation or conversion of buildings for use as emergency shelter.
• The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program addresses the housing needs of persons diagnosed with AIDS.
• The American Dream Down Payment Initiative promotes homeownership opportunities by providing necessary resources for down payment and closing cost assistance to lower-income and minority households. ####