The state Department of Housing and Community Development announced Sept. 8 that it has awarded funds to help chronically homeless people, domestic violence victims, and homeless families and individuals in 24 counties, including Amador.

Thirty-seven awards totaling more than $6.4 million from the Federal Emergency Shelter Grant Program will go to support homeless shelter assistance programs throughout the state. These grants are contingent on the approval of the fiscal year 2008-09 state budget.

Amador County was awarded more than $150,000 in FESG funds by the state housing department, according to director of communications Jennifer Sweeney. The funds will be administered by the Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency, which will also be administering $200,000 in Tuolumne County. El Dorado County received nearly $219,000 for Womenspace Unlimited.

"These awards take us a great step closer to ending chronic homelessness in California," said HCD director Lynn L. Jacobs. "Everyone deserves a place to call home."

In total, an estimated 1,795 homeless individuals and families will be served daily, through public and private nonprofit agencies qualified to receive one- or two-year FESG grants administered by HCD.