CPO picked for $500K grant

Community Partnership of the Ozarks was awarded a $500,000 grant to support people without homes amid the winter season and COVID-19 pandemic.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act grant administered by the Missouri Housing Development Commission will be used to provide hotel stays as alternate sheltering options; case management; and street outreach initiatives, according to a news release. The specifics hotels that have been utilized were not disclosed.

“As we enter the winter and COVID cases continue to rise, maintaining and increasing hotel stays for the most vulnerable members of our community is imperative,” said Adam Bodendieck, director of homeless services for CPO, in the release, noting the grant "will allow us to continue hotel sheltering through the winter months and provide some safety and stability to those with serious health conditions.”

Local emergency shelters have reduced capacity since March to comply with coronavirus safety rules, leading CPO to place more than 855 people in hotels. CPO officials say the service has been financially supported by Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc., United Way of the Ozarks, Mercy Foundation, The Kitchen Inc. and Gathering Friends for the Homeless.