WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to promote greater self-sufficiency for Rhode Islanders living in public housing, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the state will receive $694,582 in federal funding through the Resident Opportunities for Self Sufficiency (ROSS) Program and the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)-Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program. This money, which will be administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will be distributed to several housing authorities throughout the state.

"This federal funding will enable housing authorities around the state to provide Rhode Islanders in need with critical support as they work towards financial independence and greater self-sufficiency. This program is aimed at helping people who want to help themselves," said Reed, a member of the Banking Committee, which oversees federal housing policy. "The work that HCV-FSS and ROSS program coordinators do is invaluable. The educational, employment, and life training skills they provide will help more Rhode Islanders live independently."

The Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) grant program provides funds for job training and supportive services including job placement, educational programming, and college preparatory classes to help residents of public housing transition from welfare to work. ROSS also provides funding to link elderly and disabled residents to critical services such as wellness programs and meal services, which can help them continue to live independently.

Through the HCV-FSS program, Public Housing Authorities work with welfare agencies, schools, businesses, and other local partners to develop a comprehensive program that gives participating FSS family members the skills and experience to enable them to obtain employment and become financially independent. Among other things, the HCV-FSS program provides child care, transportation, education, job training and employment counseling, substance abuse treatment and counseling, household skill training, and homeownership counseling.

The housing authorities (HA) receiving HUD funding include:

HA of the City of Providence $189,488 (FSS: $123,988 and ROSS: $65,500)

Narragansett HA $75,671

Rhode Island Housing $64,266

Central Falls HA $62,825

HA of the City of Pawtucket $55,000

HA of the Town of East Greenwich $54,882

Town of North Providence Housing $54,605

Coventry HA $50,055

Cumberland HA $49,410

East Providence HA $38,380

TOTAL: $694,582