On Wednesday, Gov. Kay Ivey’s office announced that nearly $2.5 million in grants would be awarded to help homeless people in Alabama find “immediate housing” and assist other facing the possibility of becoming homeless.

The Emergency Solutions Grant program will support a variety of organizations across the state that provide legal and health services, shelter and financial education for individuals and families facing homelessness.

The program will also assist families with costs associated with moving, including deposits for housing and utilities.

“While many of us gather with family and friends this time of year, it’s important to remember that there are some Alabamians currently struggling to keep a roof over their heads and others who don’t have a home at all,” Ivey said in a press release. “I am pleased to award this funding to provide important aid to many families at a critical moment in their lives.”

One such organization, the Alabama Rural Coalition for the Homeless (ARCH), which serves Dallas County and a number of other counties across the state, received $275,000.

According to ARCH Executive Director Felicia Jackson, funds of this nature have been awarded to the organization since 2013. This year, the organization, which provides assistance to 42 counties across the state, was able to assist over 150 individuals and families in Selma through a partnership with the Dallas County Family Resource Center.

“Our goal is to ensure that people are able to maintain their housing,” Jackson said. “We also want to ensure that those who don’t have housing are able to obtain it.”

Grant funds are being administered through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) and were awarded to 14 city governments and community agencies which will be tasked with administering the funds to those in need.

“The Emergency Solutions Grant program helps families dealing with very difficult times avoid homelessness and take important steps to becoming independent and self-sufficient,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell in the press release. “ADECA is pleased to join with Governor Ivey in providing this vital assistance to local programs who help families in need.”

Dallas County residents in need of assistance can contact ARCH at 334-273-0668.