MASSENA -- Massena Independent Living Center, Inc. is set to receive $193,748 for efforts to help the homeless.

The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance has announced awards of more than $15.7 million to help prevent homelessness and help those in crisis find stable housing across New York State. Sixty-seven organizations have been selected to receive funding through OTDA's Solutions to End Homelessness Program (STEHP).

The goal of STEHP is to help individuals and families remain in or obtain permanent housing, assist them with supportive services during their experience of homelessness, or the eviction process, and assist in achieving housing stabilization.

The range of activities funded under the STEHP awards includes: maintaining and improving the quality of emergency and transitional shelters and drop-in centers for homeless individuals and families; assisting in meeting the costs of operating such programs; providing comprehensive supportive services aimed at housing stabilization; providing rapid re-housing services (obtaining a permanent living situation); and providing eviction prevention assistance to individuals and families.