HUD
No. 03-112 Jane Goin (303) 672-5440 | For
Release Thursday October 23, 2003 |
HUD GRANTS TO HELP FAMILIES ACROSS MONTANA
Funding Aimed at Making Families Employable, Self-Sufficient
WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez announced $47,688,000 in grants today to 771 housing authorities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico that will be used for job training and placement for low-income citizens.
"This funding will help thousands of citizens find employment and eventually
become economically independent,"
said Martinez. "HUD is committed to revitalizing
communities through job advocacy, training programs and economic development."
"In Montana, we've received more than $854,000 to help our community,"
John Carson, Regional Director said.
"HUD's Housing Choice Voucher Family Self-Sufficiency
(HCV/FSS) Program provides funds to public housing
agencies specifically for the
employment of family self-sufficiency coordinators. The FSS coordinators assist
adults
in job training, childcare, counseling, transportation and job placement
programs."
Participants in the job preparedness program, some of whom are
on welfare, sign a contract that stipulates the
head of the household will get
a job and the family will become self-sufficient within five years. While enrolled
in
the program, as a family's income rises, a third of that income goes to an
interest-bearing escrow account.
If a family fulfills the contract requiring
employment and independence from welfare, they can use the escrow
account for
down payment on a home purchase, starting a business, paying back debts and paying
educational expenses. If a family fails to fulfill the contract, they do not get
the funds in the escrow account and may be terminated from the FSS Program.
HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly
among minorities, creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans,
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.
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Montana | |
Housing Authority of Billings | $38,671 |
Helena Housing Authority | $47,378 |
Missoula Housing Authority | $71,425 |
State Subtotals: | $157,474 |