HUD PRESENTS $401,119 CHECK TO MOBILE HOUSING BOARD JOBS AND ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE TO MOBILE PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS

MOBILE - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Atlanta Regional Director Bob Young presented two (2) checks totaling $401,119 in grants today to the Mobile Housing Board- $350,000 for supportive services that help elderly and disabled public housing residents and $51,119 for jobs and economic independence for public housing residents.

"Thousands of elderly and disabled public housing residents rely on these grants to assist them in maintaining an independent lifestyle," said HUD Regional Director Young. "In some cases, these grants are the bridge to help our seniors and those with disabilities to live a life that allows them to fully participate in their communities and enjoy a wide range of opportunities."

The funding is from HUD's Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) Elderly/Persons with Disabilities
Program. Public housing authorities, resident associations and non-profit organizations compete for funds annually. The grants enable these entities to hire project coordinators to work with elderly residents and those with disabilities to link them with supportive services available in their communities, such as transportation, health and wellness programs, and nutritious meal services, allowing these individuals or families to live independently longer.

"The grant of $51,119 given today will allow the Mobile Housing Board to assist families by leading them to employment that can teach them to become more self sufficient and even towards homeownership", Young also
said.

The monies awarded are from HUD's Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency (PH FSS) program. These funds allow
public housing authorities (PHAs) to hire program coordinators who work directly with residents to guide them to education and training opportunities, job placement organizations and local employers.

Residents sign a contract to participate, which outlines their responsibilities towards completion of training and employment objectives up to a five-year period. For each participating family that is a recipient of welfare
assistance, the PHA must establish an interim goal that the participating family be independent from welfare assistance prior to the expiration of the contract. During the period of participation, residents may earn an escrow credit based on increased earned income, which they may use in a variety of ways, including continuing their education or making a down payment toward home purchase.

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, and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet
and espanol.hud.gov.

For more information, contact:
Hollis Wormsby, Birmingham HUD Public Affairs Coordinator at 205-731-2630 ext. 1129.

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