Homeless assistance programs in Iowa are due to receive $2.7 million in federal money.

U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell announced Thursday that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development had given Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance awards to central Iowa. The money is to support services to the homeless.

Among those receiving the grant money are the city of Des Moines, which is to receive more than $816,000 for its Anawim Shelter Plus Care and nearly $290,000 for its House of Mercy Transitional Housing.

The Iowa Institute for Community Alliances is to receive more than $282,000.

Boswell says “it is important to remember those that are less fortunate and struggling in our communities.”