HUD AWARDS $678,694 TO SIX OREGON ORGANIZATIONS AIMED AT INCREASING PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENT SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND AIDING ELDERLY, DISABLED

PORTLAND - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $678,694 in Resident Opportunities
and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) Program grants today to six Oregon organizations. The funding will be used to help
public housing residents become economically self-sufficient and provide the elderly and people with disabilities supportive services to allow independent living. (See list of awardees below)

"With this funding local housing agencies and nonprofit organizations can help families on their way to self-sufficiency and homeownership and provide assistance to the elderly and disabled to continue their independent lifestyles," said HUD Portland Field Office Director Tom Cusack.

Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) grants allow PHAs to hire a program coordinator who links public housing residents with training opportunities, job placement organizations, and local employers. Residents sign a contract to participate, which outlines their responsibilities towards completion of training and employment objectives up to a five-year period.

For each participating family that is a recipient of welfare assistance, the PHA must establish an interim goal that
the family becomes independent from welfare assistance and remain independent from welfare assistance at least
one year prior to the expiration of the contract. During the period of participation, residents may earn an escrow credit based on increased earned income, which they may use in a variety of ways, including continuing their education or downpayment toward purchasing a home.

Resident Service Delivery Model Elderly and People with Disabilities grants help PHAs, resident associations, or non-profit organizations provide the coordination of services for the elderly and persons with disabilities, including transportation to medical appointments, shopping, and health and wellness programs. These services allow these individuals or families to live independently.

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 as well as 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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