The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development handed out nearly $1.4 billion dollars in grants today, including nearly $49,000 to the Salvation Army in Lawrence.

The grants are part of about $7.4 million in grants given to agencies in Kansas. The Salvation Army in Lawrence received a virtually identical grant in 2005, which provided money to help find housing and jobs for the homeless.

The grant comes just as the Salvation Army announced that it’s annual Christmas appeals had come up about $34,000 below their goals, but still ahead of last year’s dismal results.

Salvation Army commander Wes Dalberg said that shortfall could put the group in a position where it has to prioritize what it spends money on.