Secretary Martinez made two announcements yesterday that awarded more than $115 million in HUD support to help public housing residents become more self-sufficient and help non-elderly families with disabilities find more affordable private housing.

The Secretary first announced $75.2 million in Resident Opportunities Self Sufficiency (ROSS) grants that will help public housing residents become more economically self-sufficient and give elderly and people with disabilities supportive services to allow them to live independently.

"ROSS grants give public housing authorities, resident organizations and non-profit organizations the necessary assistance to provide services to public housing residents that will lead to employment," the Secretary said. "This funding also aids public housing residents who are elderly and those with disabilities continue their independent lifestyle."

ROSS grants are awarded to public housing authorities, resident organizations or non-profit organizations acting on behalf of residents. The grants link public housing residents to services that lead to employment and leadership within their community that may lead to self-sufficiency. In addition, ROSS grants provide support services to elderly and persons with disabilities who live in public housing.

The Secretary then made a second announcing, awarding some $39.9 million in housing assistance vouchers to public housing authorities so that non-elderly families with disabilities may lease private housing affordable.

"Because of their special needs, young people with disabilities often face difficulties finding suitable, accessible housing they can afford," the Secretary said. "These vouchers will give them the financial assistance they need to find safe, affordable housing."

Public housing agencies apply for the vouchers annually. Families who qualify for the vouchers apply for them through local public housing agencies. The vouchers enable recipients to rent housing units by paying generally no more than 30 percent of their income for rent with HUD paying the remainder.