Massachusetts will receive more than $12.6 million from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support community development and produce more affordable housing in Brookline, Cambridge, Gloucester and Worcester.

The funding will also help find homes for individuals and families living on the streets and provide permanent housing for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, according to a statement.

"These programs are absolutely critical to communities across Massachusetts," said HUD New England Regional Administrator Barbara Fields. "As we work under the challenges of our nation’s deficit, we must also understand that these programs are essential in promoting community development, producing affordable housing, helping our homeless and even supporting long-term disaster recovery."

The funding includes:

• $9.14 million in Community Development Block Grant funding
• $2.78 million in HOME Investment Partnerships funding
• $337,681 in Emergency Shelter Grant funding
• $401,707 for Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS