HUD PRESENTS $296,500 IN GRANTS TO THE COOK COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY
Grant encourages self-sufficiency, homeownership for public housing residents

CHICAGO - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $296,500 in grants today to the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC). The grants will be used to help public housing residents find employment and provide homeownership counseling.

"These grants will help public housing residents climb the ladder to self-sufficiency and homeownership, " said HUD Assistant Secretary Michael Liu, who presented the grants to HACC Executive Director James Floyd.

HACC received two Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) grants. A $250,000 grant will allow HACC to establish an extensive homeownership-counseling program that will enable 26 low-income residents become homeowners. The other grant for $46,500 will be used to hire a Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) coordinator who will link public housing residents with training opportunities, job placement organizations and local employers. A key feature of the FSS program is 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.

HUD's 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.

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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