Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge on Thursday announced that nearly $5 billion from last month’s COVID-19 relief package will go to states and local governments to battle homelessness.

She said the funding was allocated to 651 various jurisdictions to provide housing and other services for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“Homelessness in the United States was increasing even before COVID-19, and we know the pandemic has only made the crisis worse,” Fudge said.

“HUD’s swift allocation of this $5 billion in American Rescue Plan funding reflects our commitment to addressing homelessness as a priority. With this strong funding, communities across the country will have the resources needed to give homes to the people who have had to endure the COVID-19 pandemic without one.”