HUD AWARDS MORE THAN $900,000 TO PROMOTE SELF-SUFFICIENCY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS IN MARYLAND
Grants to help hire/retain service coordinators

PHILADELPHIA - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded today $948,000 in grants to promote self-sufficiency for public housing residents in Maryland. This funding is part of more than $28 million in grants being awarded nationwide to public housing authorities, resident associations, Indian tribes and nonprofit organizations to hire or retain service coordinators to help public housing residents find jobs and achieve economic and housing independence.

"In these tough economic times, this grant will go a long way in helping local housing agencies connect their residents to jobs and opportunities that lead to self-sufficiency," said Jane C.W. Vincent, Regional Administrator of HUD's Mid-Atlantic region.

Service coordinators work directly with residents to assess their needs and connect them with education, job training and placement programs, as well as computer and financial literacy services available in their community. For an elderly or disabled resident, the service coordinator arranges supportive services that allow them to maintain their independence and age in place.

This grant is funded through HUD's Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency--Service Coordinators (ROSS-SC) Program. The purpose of the program is to encourage local, innovative strategies that link public housing assistance with public and private resources to enable participating families to increase earned income; reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance; and make progress toward achieving economic independence and housing self-sufficiency.

Maryland Grants

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HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing asa platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on twitter @HUDnews, on facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.