HUD ANNOUNCES $10.7 MILLION IN GRANTS TO INCREASE SELF-SUFFICIENCY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS, AID ELDERLY, DISABLED

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $10,797,326 in grants today that will be used to help public housing residents become economically self-sufficient and give elderly and people with disabilities supportive services to allow independent living.

"These grants will benefit individuals and families in communities across America in many ways, " said HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson. "They will help public housing residents on their way to self-sufficiency and homeownership and give the elderly and those with disabilities the assistance to continue their independent lifestyles."

The 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. 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.

ROSS funding for the 2004 grant ground is distributed under the following categories:

Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency - $5,745,954
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 become 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 down payment toward purchasing a home.

Resident Service Delivery Models for Families, Elderly and Disabled - $2,836,363
This funding helps PHAs provide services for the elderly and persons with disabilities, including personal assistance with daily activities; transportation to medical appointments, shopping, etc., and establishes health and wellness programs in the community. These services allow these individuals or families to live independently.

Homeownership Supportive Services - $2,215,009
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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Grant awards list attached.