HUD AWARDS $188,655 IN FUNDING TO COLUMBIA, MISSOURI HOUSING AUTHORITY TO PROMOTE SELF-SUFFICIENCY
Funding provides education, employment services and homeownership counseling to low-income families

ST. LOUIS, MO - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today awarded a $188,655 grant to the Columbia Housing Authority. The agency will use this funding to connect public housing residents with education,
job training, employment services and homeownership counseling available in the local community to promote self-sufficiency.

"These grants help families on their way to economic independence," said Deputy Regional Director Eugene
Lipscomb. "Whether it's taking classes to get a better job or learning what it takes to become a homeowner, these grants help public housing residents achieve their personal and career goals."

The funding, part of $27,960,860 awarded nationally today to 93 agencies, is provided through HUD's Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) - Service Coordinators 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 program gives grantees the funding to hire a Service Coordinator to assess residents' needs and link
them with local resources that provide job training and placement, education and training opportunities, computer training, financial literacy 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.

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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.