HUD AWARDS FUNDING TO PROMOTE SELF-SUFFICIENCY AMONG PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS
Funding provides education, employment services and homeownership counseling to low-income families

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $848,925 in grants this week to four agencies in Massachusetts. The agencies will use this funding to provide public housing residents with education, job training, employment services and homeownership counseling to promote self-sufficiency.

"These grants help families on their way to economic independence," said Taylor Caswell, HUD regional director. "Whether it's becoming more computer savvy, taking classes to get a better job or learning what it takes to
become a homeowner, this HUD funding is here to help public housing residents achieve their personal and career goals."

The funding, part of $29.4 million awarded nationally, is from 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 and promote self-sufficiency among residents.

The ROSS/Family and Homeownership program gives grantees the funding to hire a program coordinator to assess residents' needs and link them with local resources that provide job training and placement, education and training opportunities, computer training and homeownership counseling. The funding is also used to provide supportive services such as childcare and transportation to help families take advantage of training and employment opportunities. In addition, grantees can use this funding to provide a variety of classes that promote self-
sufficiency such as - GED or ESL classes, adult literacy education, personal finance training and life skills.

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.

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NOTE: For information on how the grant will be used, please contact the housing authority. For information on the ROSS program, or other HUD programs, please contact Kristine Foye at (617) 994-8218 or via email at kristine_g._foye@hud.gov.