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WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $44,368,243 million in grants today that will be used to help public housing residents become economically self-sufficient and give elderly and people with disabilities supportive services to allow them to live independently.

"These grants provide assistance across-the-board to families, the elderly and persons with disabilities," said HUD Acting Secretary Alphonso Jackson "Grant recipients now have the resources to provide public housing residents services that will lead to self-sufficiency and allow the elderly and those with disabilities continue their independent lifestyles."

The Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) Program grants are awarded to public housing authorities (PHAs), resident organizations or non-profit organizations acting on behalf of residents. These grants link public housing residents to services that lead to employment and leadership within their community that may lead to self-sufficiency. ROSS grants also provide support services to elderly and persons with disabilities who live in public housing.

ROSS funding is distributed under the following categories:

Resident Service Delivery Models for Families, Elderly and Disabled - $22,993,513
For families this funding promotes self-sufficiency by providing job and business development training; developing methods to link residents to jobs with specific employers in specified fields; creating credit unions; and providing support services such as child care, transportation, and family counseling. For the elderly and persons with disabilities this funding provides personal assistance with daily activities; transportation to medical appointments, shopping, etc.; and establishes health and wellness programs in the community.

Neighborhood Networks - $9,639,589
Funding allows PHAs to establish and/or operate Neighborhood Network Centers that use computer technology and telecommunications or to update and expand existing computer centers. These centers help public housing residents increase the use of computer technology; reduce welfare dependency; promote economic self-sufficiency; provide opportunities for job training and development; expand educational opportunities for residents; and develop access to health and nutrition information.

Homeownership Supportive Services - $11,735,141
Funding allows PHAs to offer home-buying counseling and other supportive services to achieve homeownership for public housing residents.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.

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Grant awards state list attached