HUD AWARDS ALMOST $1.2 MILLION TO THREE OREGON HOUSING AUTHORITIES TO PROMOTE EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT & HOMEOWNERSHIP AMONG PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS

PORTLAND - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today awarded $1,193,500 in grants to three public housing authorities-Portland, Clackamas County and Lincoln County-to connect public housing residents with education, job training, employment services and homeownership counseling available in the local community to promote self-sufficiency.

Under today's awards, the Clackamas County Housing Authority received a grant of $233,500, the Lincoln County Housing Authority received a grant of $240,000 and the Housing Authority of Portland received a grant of $720,000.

"These grants help families on their way to economic independence," said HUD Portland Director Roberta Ando. "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, 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.