HUD AWARDS $2.4 MILLION TO PROMOTE JOBS, SELF-SUFFICIENCY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS IN NEW JERSEY

NEW JERSEY - To help public housing residents find jobs and educational opportunities, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today awarded $2.4 million in grants to public housing authorities and non-profit organizations in New Jersey to hire or retain service coordinators to help residents achieve economic and housing independence. See list of agencies below.

The funding, provided through HUD's Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency - Service Coordinators Program (ROSS-SC) helps public housing authorities, resident associations, non-profit organizations, Indian tribes or entities representing Indian tribes hire or retain "service coordinators" who work directly with residents to assess their needs and connect them with education, job training and placement programs, and/or computer and financial literacy services available in their community to promote self-sufficiency.

"Today, we make an affirmative investment in families living in public housing to help them build a brighter future for themselves and their children," said HUD Secretary Julián Castro. "This funding allows our local partners to support residents' goals and put them on the path toward self-sufficiency."

"Research shows that the combination of an affordable place to live and supportive services like education and employment counseling creates a powerful springboard for success," said Holly Leicht, HUD Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey. "HUD's ROSS Coordinators are living proof that this model works, connecting residents with jobs throughout New York and New Jersey."

The purpose of HUD's ROSS-SC 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.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
2015 ROSS Service Coordinator Grant Awards

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HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and http://espanol.hud.gov.

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