The city of Huntsville will receive $200,000 in grant funding that will help find immediate housing for the homeless or those in danger of becoming homeless.

Gov. Robert Bentley on Thursday awarded $2.4 million in grants from the Emergency Solutions Grant program. The funds will support programs that provide shelter, legal and health services and money-management education for families and individuals who are without a residence. The program can also help these families with costs associated with moving to a new apartment or home including utility deposits and rental deposits.

The grants are being administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“Through this program, many who find themselves homeless or on the verge of becoming homeless can take important first steps back toward independent living,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said. “This federal-state-local partnership provides essential aid to help Alabama families find housing and get back on their feet.”

Bentley awarded the grants to 12 local governments and community agencies across the state that administer the program at the local level and assess the needs of individuals who wish to be considered for assistance. Local case managers screen applicants for program eligibility. An individual or family requesting assistance can contact their local agency directly or may receive a referral to the program by a local shelter.