PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Pinellas County is being awarded $4.4 million in grant funding to help fight homelessness within the county, Congressman Charlie Crist announced Wednesday. 

The Continuum of Care grant, awarded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, will be distributed to Pinellas County entities and non-profit organizations dedicated to assisting the local homeless population, according to the release. 

"In the wealthiest country in the world, no one should be left without a roof over their head. Our local governments and non-profits do the best they can, but simply don't have enough resources to reach everyone in need," Crist said. "This critical funding will get more people throughout Pinellas off the streets and on track to getting back on their feet." 

HUD Continuum of Care grant funding supports a broad array of interventions designed to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness, particularly those living in places not meant for habitation, located in sheltering programs, or at imminent risk of becoming homeless.