HAUPPAUGE – Suffolk County Executive Steven Levy and representatives from human services agencies and the towns of Islip and Babylon announced the inception of a program that will provide funding to residents who rent and are on the brink of homelessness.

Suffolk has secured $1.5 million, while Islip and Babylon have qualified for $840,000 and $520,000, respectively, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009’s Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program.

The municipalities are joining forces with the Family Service League and Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc. to assist people with rent arrears, utility arrears, security deposits and even rental assistance, as well as other needs.

The funds will help keep people housed and provide financial support to families and individuals that are in the process of getting back on their feet.

“This program is geared toward families that are on the verge of homelessness but who at the same time have a strong opportunity of becoming self-sufficient after receiving the funds,” said Levy. “Our goal is to help re-establish individuals and families that are experiencing temporary financial problems due to loss of employment or illness.”