CONCORD, N.H. — The federal government has awarded nearly $7 million to support housing for the homeless in New Hampshire.

Sixty-three programs across the state are getting the funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The department estimates there were 1,366 persons experiencing homelessness in New Hampshire on a single night in 2016.

Since 2010, New Hampshire communities reported a 13.2 percent decline in the number of people experiencing homelessness.

In addition, veteran homelessness decreased by 2.3 percent, chronic homelessness declined 30.3 percent and family homelessness decreased by 14.5 percent.

Rhode Island also has been awarded $5.9 million in federal grants.

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed said the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the Continuum of Care grants to support more than 40 homeless assistance projects.

The Rhode Island Democrat said the federal funds are vital to keeping a commitment to prevent and end homelessness throughout the state.

The federal funds are jointly administered by nonprofits for a variety of housing programs and services, including transitional and permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, outreach efforts and client assessments.

Homelessness remains a challenge in Rhode Island.

According to HUD’s 2016 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, nearly 1,200 people across Rhode Island were experiencing homelessness on a single night in late January 2016.