HUD PRESENTS MORE THAN $1.2 MILLION TO DENVER HOUSING AUTHORITY
Family Self-Sufficiency and Homeownership Counseling Grants total 1.2+ Million Dollars

DENVER - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded three grants totaling $1,213,000
to fund Denver Housing Authority's (DHA) programs to improve the economic self-sufficiency of public housing residents and to provide homeownership counseling for public housing residents.

HUD's Regional Director John Carson presented the three checks for the Resident Opportunities Self Sufficiency
(R0SS) Program; the first grant funds the self-sufficiency program coordinators, and the second grant provides support services to help public housing residents become economically self-sufficient and provide the elderly and people with disabilities supportive services to allow independent living. Supportive services include education, job training and services to promote independent living for the elderly and persons with disabilities. The third grant will provide funding for DHA's Homeownership Counseling program for public housing residents.

"This funding allows the Denver Housing Authority to help families on their way to self-sufficiency and homeownership," said HUD Regional Director John Carson. "For example, residents can take classes to help them become more computer savvy, get a better job or learn what it takes to become a homeowner. ROSS grants are
made available to help public housing residents achieve their personal and career goals."

ROSS funding for Denver Housing Authority - 2005

Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency - $500,000 and $213,000

Funding allows Denver Housing Authority to hire a program coordinator who links public housing residents with
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 Denver Housing Authority must establish an interim goal that the family becomes independent from welfare assistance and remains independent
from welfare assistance at least one year 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 downpayment toward purchasing a home.

Funding allows the Denver Housing Authority 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 and espanol.hud.gov.

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