HUD AWARDS $1.6 MILLION TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN VIRGINIA
Housing Authorities in Bristol, Charlottesville, Chesapeake, Danville, Hampton, Harrisonburg, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Richmond, Roanoke, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Waynesboro and Fairfax, James City and Loudoun counties Win HUD Grants

RICHMOND - Fifteen housing authorities in Virginia have won a total of $1.6 million in funds from the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development to help low-income individuals in public housing or receiving rental vouchers to get job training and employment placement.

Housing authorities in Bristol, Charlottesville, Chesapeake, Danville, Hampton, Harrisonburg, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Richmond, Roanoke, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Waynesboro and Fairfax, James City and Loudoun counties won grants this year as did the Virginia Housing Development Authority which serves the rural, "balance of state" communities.

"Thousands of people will get the assistance they need to help them find jobs that will get them on their road to financial independence," said HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson who announced the funding. "Some families have become homeowners or debt-free as a result of this program, thanks to their commitment and determination to thrive."

The funding is provided through HUD's Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, which encourages development of
local strategies to help families who live in public housing or receive HUD Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) obtain employment that will lead to economic independence and self-sufficiency. Authorities work with welfare agencies, schools, businesses, and other partners to develop a comprehensive program that gives participating family
members the skills and experience to obtain employment.

The funding is distributed to housing to hire or retain FSS coordinators on staff to assist adult residents to find employment. The coordinators link participants to resources in the community that can help with their job search, such as job training opportunities, employment placement programs or local employers. The coordinators also help individuals locate childcare, counseling services, and transportation, which are often times impediments to employment.

Participants sign contracts stipulating the head of the household will find suitable employment and the family will
be off welfare within five years. Because public housing and voucher rents are tied to income, when income rises,
rent rises. With the FSS program, the rent increase is paid to the housing authority, but goes into an interest-
bearing escrow account. Participants that successfully graduate from the program can use the escrow account for
a variety of goals, including down payment on a home, starting a business, paying back debts or paying educational expenses.

Family Self-Sufficiency Grants for Public Housing Residents

Family Self-Sufficiency Grants for Housing Choice Voucher Recipients