News Release

HUD ANNOUNCES NEARLY $33 MILLION AIMED AT INCREASING ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY AMONG PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $32,924,397 in grants to public housing agencies across the country today that will be used to improve public housing residents access to information that can lead to employment and economic self-sufficiency.

The funding is provided through HUD's Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) Program. These grants are awarded to public housing authorities (PHAs), resident organizations or non-profit organizations acting on behalf of residents to encourage self-sufficiency among residents. ROSS programs link residents with supportive services, including education, job and computer training and homeownership counseling.

"This funding helps families on their way to economic independence," said HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson. "Whether its becoming more computer savvy, taking classes to get a better job or learning what it takes to become a homeowner, ROSS grants are available to help public housing residents achieve their personal and career goals."

The funding announced today is from two ROSS programs - Resident Service Delivery Model (RSDM) Family and Public Housing Neighborhood Networks.

PHAs use RSDM Family grants to h ire project coordinators to assess residents' job, educational and other needs and goals. These coordinators link residents with local employers and educational programs, including college preparatory classes. To give residents the opportunity to take advantage of the education, training and employment services, this funding also matches residents to supportive services such as childcare and transportation.

Public Housing Neighborhood Networks grants allow PHAs to create, update or expand community computer centers. These centers in local public housing communities link families to employment, healthcare and other quality-of-life resources.

ROSS grants are distributed under five categories. The other three categories of ROSS funding that were announced last month are: Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency grants fund coordinators who link public housing residents to services that lead to employment and leadership within their community that may lead to self-sufficiency. Resident Service Delivery Model (RSDM) Elderly and People with Disabilities grants provide support services to elderly and persons with disabilities who live in public housing. Homeownership Supportive Services grants provide homeownership training for public housing residents who have participated in self-sufficiency programs.

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.