St. Vincent de Paul of North Idaho's efforts to prevent and end homelessness in the region received a big boost Monday from the federal government.

Several of the nonprofit's programs are among nearly 8,400 homeless housing and service programs nationwide that will receive a share of $1.8 billion in Continuum of Care grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

St. Vincent de Paul's programs will benefit from a total of $386,888. The agency's traditional housing program was awarded $171,320 and its Angel Arms permanent housing programs received $215,568.

"The funding is a gift to help those who really need help," said Jeff Conroy, director of St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho.

The grant awards - directed toward helping the chronically homeless - are part of an increased effort by HUD to provide housing for all individuals and families.

"Chronically homeless people are among the most vulnerable people in the homeless population," Conroy said, adding that those in this group tend to have high rates of behavioral health problems, including severe mental illness and substance abuse disorders - conditions that may be exacerbated by physical illness, injury or trauma. "Consequently, they are frequent users of emergency services, crisis response, and public safety systems. The new programs will help get them off the street and receive life-changing help."

The grant awards were announced by HUD Secretary Julian Castro.

"It's a national shame that anyone would call the streets their home," Castro said, during a telephone press conference held Monday. "Working with our local partners, we're redoubling our efforts to support permanent housing solutions for our veterans and those experiencing long-term chronic homelessness. We're also focused on providing targeted assistance to families and young people who are falling between the cracks. As a nation, we can and must end homelessness."

A total of 45 Idaho programs were awarded a share of $4 million during this grant cycle.

Family Promise Traditional Housing, with chapters in North Idaho and throughout the state, received $43,122.