U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar says Minnesota will receive over $3 million for emergency food and shelter programs. The funds will be allocated by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency. The grants will help feed and house Minnesotans and assist those struggling to make rent, mortgage and utility payments during the down economy.
Aitkin County will receive $14,844; Cass County, $29,031; Crow Wing County, $52,928; Mille Lacs County, $26,527; Morrison County, $31,357; Todd County, $18,941 and Wadena County, $12,998.
"The weak economy makes it all the more important to have a strong safety net," said Klobuchar. "This is a time when family budgets are getting tighter, unemployment is rising and temperatures are falling. Families who are victims of this economy need help to see them through these tough times."
Minnesota's unemployment rate rose to 6.4 percent in November. Over 30,000 jobs in Minnesota have been lost in the past year. The Center on Responsible Lending projects that, due to the number of foreclosures in Minnesota, 33,100 children could be left homeless.
