The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development announced this week that it awarded more than $600,000 to Tri-City agencies combating homelessness.

The announcement came as the department renewed funding for agencies throughout Washington that previously have been awarded money through its Continuum of Care programs.

"The grants we're awarding today will literally keep the doors of our shelters open and will help those on the front lines of ending homelessness do what they do best," HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said in a statement.

Local grants included $97,692 for the Benton Franklin Department of Human Services Shelter Plus Care program and $508,853 for programs operated by Community Action Connection, formerly known as Benton Franklin Community Action Committee.