State Awards $1.1 Million to Help the Homeless

The state of Connecticut is awarding $1.1 million to 15 private, nonprofit agencies that provide services to 176 people who've experienced chronic homelessness.

The agencies provide in-home supportive services, including referrals to mental health, substance abuse, dental and medical treatment, employment services, budgeting, landlord and tenant mediation and daily living skills.

Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services grants on Wednesday. It comes as the state works to end chronic homelessness among veterans. Last year, Malloy called for ending homelessness among veterans by 2015 in his State of the State address.

On Wednesday, he spoke about how the state is now part of a national initiative, "Zero: 2016," that is working to end veteran and chronic homelessness within the next two years.