The City of Mount Vernon addresses one of HUD's priorities, homelessness, by participating in the Continuum of Care homeless assistance competition. The Continuum of Care approach responds to local comprehensive planning efforts, which were designed to help homeless individuals, and families move to self-sufficiency and permanent housing. HUD rewards communities that work together to coordinate housing programs for homeless persons. The City submitted its application in conjunction with Westchester County and Yonkers. As part of this coordinated effort, the City in December 2000 was notified that nine (9) projects were approved for funding totaling approximately $1,113,000.

Under the Supportive Housing Program, the City received the following funds:

• 1997 - $252,000 to fund four (4) projects
• 1998 - $310,640 which funded seven (7) projects
• 1999 - $551,569 to fund nine (9) project