HUD AWARDS ALMOST $1 MILLION TO PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCIES IN VIRGINIA
Housing Authorities in Bristol, Chesapeake, Danville, Fairfax, Harrisonburg, Newport News, Norfolk, Petersburg, Portsmouth, Richmond & Roanoke Win $996,335 in HUD grants to provide supportive services to public housing residents

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $19.5 million in grants nationwide today to help public housing residents become economically self-sufficient and provide the elderly and people with disabilities supportive services to allow independent living. Virginia housing authorities were awarded $996,335 in today's announcement.

HUD's Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) Program grants are awarded to public housing authorities (PHAs), resident organizations or non-profit organizations acting on behalf of residents to link residents with supportive services, such as education and job training, and to promote independent living for the elderly and
persons with disabilities.

In today's ROSS grant announcement, the redevelopment and housing authority in Bristol won $37,177, the
authority in Chesapeake won $46,513, the authority in Danville won $42,000, the authority in Fairfax County won $63,000, the authority in Harrisonburg won $17,146, the authority in Newport News won $44,788, the authority in Norfolk won $130,000, the authority in Petersburg won $44,733, the authority in Portsmouth won $47,738, the authority in Richmond won $65,000 and the authority in Roanoke won $458,240 in two grants.

"This funding allows local housing agencies and nonprofit organizations to help families on their way to self-
sufficiency and homeownership and give the elderly and those with disabilities the assistance to continue their independent lifestyles, " said HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson.

ROSS grants are distributed under five categories. Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency grants link public housing residents to services that lead to employment and leadership within their community that may lead to self-
sufficiency. Resident Service Delivery Models (RSDM) Elderly and People with Disabilities grants provide support services to elderly and persons with disabilities who live in public housing. Homeownership Supportive Services
grants provide homeownership training for public housing residents who have participated in self-sufficiency
programs.

Two other ROSS grants - RSDM Family and Public Housing Neighborhood Networks - will be announced prior to the
end of the year.

ROSS funding for 2005 for the following categories:

Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency - $8,972,627

Funding allows 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 Models for Elderly and Disabled - $7,714,730

This funding helps 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, etc., health
and wellness programs. These services allow these individuals or families to live independently.

Homeownership Supportive Services - $2,828,076

Funding allows PHAs to offer home-buying counseling and other supportive services to achieve homeownership for public housing residents.

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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