(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

The state Department of Community and Economic Development has awarded $1.5 million to a team of organizations, including the Community Development Program of Beaver County, in order to combat homelessness throughout Western Pennsylvania.

State Representative Rob Matzie announced the grant award on Monday, during which he said that the funding will help replenish anti-homelessness resources and emergency housing in the region.

“Having a place to call home doesn’t just mean shelter,” Matzie says. “It means easier access to community resources like job training and other services that lead to employment and independence.”

The grant was awarded to Lawrence County Social Services, who had co-applied for the grant with the Beaver County CDP and 11 other community organizations.