WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to help homeless Rhode Islanders with mental health or substance abuse issues transition to permanent, stable housing, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will award the Rhode Island Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals $300,000 through its Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness Program (PATH).

This federal funding will be used to assist homeless men and women with mental illnesses as well as co-occurring substance abuse disorders throughout the state get treatment and transition to permanent housing. The program provides community-based outreach, mental health and substance abuse treatment and other support services.

"I am pleased Rhode Island will receive this federal funding to provide homeless people who need mental health treatment with the help they need. It is estimated that nearly a quarter of homeless adults suffer from serious mental illness. This money will help more Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness get access to the services and treatment they need," said Reed, a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee.

Over 6,400 Rhode Islanders stayed in emergency shelters from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005, the most recent year for which this information is currently available.

In May of 2007, Senator Reed chaired a hearing in the HELP Committee examining issues facing the mental health community and reauthorizing SAMHSA for the first time in seven years. SAMHSA provides services, grants, and contracts to help support state and community efforts to prevent, detect, and treat substance abuse and mental health issues. During the hearing, Reed noted his particular interest in strengthening the links between housing and supportive services for homeless populations with substance abuse and mental health disorders.

"I will continue to work with my colleagues to increase federal investment in helping America's neediest citizens and ultimately move them from homelessness to independence and self-sufficiency," said Reed.

Earlier this year, Reed introduced the bipartisan Community Partnership to End Homelessness Act of 2007 to provide over $1.8 billion for targeted homelessness assistance grant programs, increasing current levels of funding for homelessness assistance grants by $350 million and allocate $250 in additional funding for homelessness prevention initiatives. Reed also joined Senator Burr in introducing the Services for Ending Long-Term Homelessness Act of 2007 which directs SAMHSA to coordinate their efforts, not only with HUD, but with other federal departments and agencies in order to develop and provide more effective strategies for serving and supporting individuals and families cycling in and out of homelessness. These initiatives will greatly help to provide the stability and path to self-sufficiency for homeless populations.