HUD ANNOUNCES NEARLY $20 MILLION AIMED AT INCREASING PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENT SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND AIDING ELDERLY, DISABLED

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $19,515,433 in grants today that will be used to help public housing residents become economically self-sufficient and provide the elderly and people with disabilities supportive services to allow independent living.

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.

"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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Grant awards list attached.