The coronavirus and protests over the treatment of blacks by police departments have been at the forefront of the news for months now, pushing other important issues off newspaper pages and media broadcasts.

One of those issues is homelessness.

Which is why it is welcome news that Butler County will receive a $60,000 grant to combat the problem.

It’s part of $5.4 million awarded statewide through 2020 Emergency Solutions Grant funding.

ESG funding falls into six categories: rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, street outreach, emergency shelter, homeless management information systems and administration.

The county sought the funding for its rapid rehousing program. Rapid rehousing helps individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness, fleeing violence or living in a home not suitable for human habitation to swiftly move to stable housing.

Rapid rehousing provides rental assistance and case management for the homeless and their families, according to Amanda Feltenberger, director of integrated services at the county Human Services Department.

Homelessness prevention resources help families or individuals who currently have housing but may be in jeopardy of losing their homes with rental assistance and case management resources.

Someone is counted homeless if he or she “lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence,” according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Because of effects of the COVID-19 pandemic — most notably loss of employment — many families are teetering on the brink of financial disaster and at risk of losing their place of residence

There are an estimated 553,742 people in the United States experiencing homelessness on a given night, 13,199 of them in Pennsylvania.

A half-million people could fill nearly eight NFL stadiums.

Feltenberger noted that any organization that identifies homeless people can refer them to the county for assistance, which can include medical care, mental health care, employment training, education and rental assistance.

To end homelessness, a communitywide coordinated approach to delivering services, housing, and programs is needed.

Although $60,000 might not seem like much money, every grant helps in keeping a roof over someone’s head.