Four groups in Colorado are getting grants to help the homeless.

It's part of $190 million in grants given by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department to assist 550 local homeless assistance programs across the country.

The projects will offer critically needed housing and support services to nearly 20,000 homeless individuals and families over the extended lifetime of these grants.

In Colorado, the largest grant, $840,860, is going to Colorado Coalition for the Homeless/West End Lofts Supportive Housing Project.

The city of Colorado Springs housing first expansion project is getting $148,024.

Also in Colorado Springs, Homeward Pikes Peak/Housing First Pikes Peak is getting $32,255 and Youth Ventures of Colorado/Transitional Living Program is getting $20,000.

Last month, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan Donovan and 18 other federal agencies unveiled opening doors, a federal strategy to end veteran and chronic homelessness by 2015, and to end homelessness among children, families, and youth by 2020.

"This funding is an important part of the Obama Administration's new strategy to end homelessness in all its forms," said Donovan. "We know that these programs are critical in moving people beyond a life on the streets and placing them on a path toward dignity and self sufficiency."