HUD AWARDS $1.2 MILLION TO PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCIES IN VIRGINIA
Agencies in Danville, Norfolk and Roanoke Win HUD grants to provide supportive services to public housing residents

RICHMOND - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded $1,225,000 in grants to four
public housing agencies in Virginia to give their residents the supportive services they need to become economically self-sufficient.

The Danville Redevelopment and Housing Authority was awarded $250,000, the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority was awarded $500,000, the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority was awarded $350,000 and
the Pleasant View Tenants Association, Inc. in Danville was awarded $125,000 in today's announcement.

Today's awards were part of an announcement providing a total of $20.7 million to 78 organizations nationwide
under HUD's Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) programs.

"These grants provide the tools public housing residents need on their way to self-sufficiency," said HUD Assistant Secretary Michael Liu. "Nothing compares to having access to computers and services that encourage job-training that lead to employment."

ROSS grants are awarded to public housing authorities, resident organizations or non-profit organizations acting on behalf of residents. The funding allows these organizations to hire program coordinators who link public housing residents with training opportunities, job placement organizations and local employers - resources that lead to employment and self-sufficiency.

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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