UTAH RECEIVES HUD GRANT TO INCREASE SELF-SUFFICIENCY AMONG PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS AND AID ELDERLY, DISABLED

DENVER - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded a $250,000 grant today that will be used to help public housing residents become economically self-sufficient and to allow them to live independently in Salt Lake City, Utah.

"The grant provides assistance to families, the elderly and persons with disabilities," said HUD Acting Secretary Alphonso Jackson "Grant recipients now have the resources to provide public housing residents services that will lead to self-sufficiency and allow the elderly and those with disabilities continue their independent lifestyles." The grants are termed Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) and include five categories elderly/disabled, family, homeownership supportive services and neighborhood networks.

HUD's Denver Regional Director John Carson announced that a ROSS grant was awarded to the Housing Authority of Salt Lake City in the amount of $250,000 for Resident Service Delivery Models for Families.

Carson explained the grants are awarded to public housing authorities (PHAs), resident organizations or non-profit organizations acting on behalf of residents. These grants link public housing residents to services that lead to employment and leadership within their community that may lead to self-sufficiency. ROSS grants also provide support services to elderly and persons with disabilities who live in public housing.

Resident Service Delivery Models for Families, Elderly and Disabled funding is for families and promotes self-sufficiency by providing job and business development training; developing methods to link residents to jobs with specific employers in specified fields; creating credit unions; and providing support services such as child care, transportation, and family counseling. For the elderly and persons with disabilities this funding provides personal assistance with daily activities; transportation to medical appointments, shopping, etc.; and establishes health and wellness programs in the community.

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 and espanol.hud.gov.

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