A coalition of North Florida agencies serving the homeless has received a record level of funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The nine member organizations of the Emergency Services and Homeless Coalition will share more than $4.1 million during the current fiscal year.

The groups receiving the funding include:

• Community Connection, $1.1 million;

• Volunteers of America, $829,000;

• Goodwill of North Florida, $412,000;

• Mental Health Resource Center, $279,000;

• River Region Human Services, $241,000;

• I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless, $235,000;

• Clara White Mission, $175,000;

• Gateway Community Services, $116,000;

• United Way, $64,000;

"The funds are provided to present a continuum of care strategy," said local HUD spokeswoman Elaine Spencer, including most of the services provided by the organizations, such as permanent and transitional housing, job training and family counseling.

Source: Stewart Verney, Jacksonville Business Journal