By Keith Gushard

Meadville Tribune

Crawford County commissioners have accepted a more than $150,000 grant to continue CHAPS’ Shelter Plus Care program.

The program, started in 20002, provides shelter and utility assistance for mentally challenged persons who are homeless, said Amy Schmidt of the county planning office who administers the grant program for CHAPS — Crawford County Mental Health Awareness Program.

It initially was funded with a $464,000 federal grant to run through 2008, but the county was granted a one-year extension in 2008 after there still was more than $100,000 left, Schmidt said.

The initial grant served only five rental units, but now 26 units a month are served under the program, she said.

The program now has changed to a year grant application process, Schmidt said.

County commissioners Thursday accepted a $154,440 grant on behalf of CHAPS.

The county also was required to provide a 25 percent match the first five years of the program, but now no match is required, she said. The county match had come out of the county’s Affordable Housing Fund, she said.

Keith Gushard can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at kgushard@meadvilletribune.com.