The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced $36 million in grants nationwide this afternoon, with over $239,000 going to the North Bergen Housing Authority as part of a program to help residents find jobs.
“Connecting families with the resources they need to invest in themselves gives them the opportunity to become self-sufficient,†HUD Secretary Ben Carson said in a statement.
“HUD is proud to give our local partners the resources they need to help their residents reach the next level.â€
These grants are awarded through HUD’s Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency – Service Coordinators program (ROSS-SC), which supports local, innovative strategies that link housing assistance with public and private resources to enable participating families to increase their earned income.
The program also aims to reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance and make progress toward achieving economic independence and housing self-sufficiency.
Through needs assessments, case management, and referrals to community and web-based services, service coordinators help each participant advance towards these goals in ways that best fit their needs, personal priorities, and interests.
“Navigating the complex health care and jobs training industries can be extremely intimidating. Sometimes we just need some guidance to take that first step towards financial independence,†added HUD Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey Lynne Patton.
“ROSS Service Coordinators are an invaluable resource for public housing residents because they provide needed support that can move them towards self-sufficiency.â€
The North Bergen Housing Authority was just one of four in New Jersey to receive any ROSS funding, netting a total of $239,250 from the federal government.
