WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today announced that the New Haven Housing Authority obtained two grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Housing Authority was awarded $300,000 for the Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) program, which provides support services for persons who are elderly or who have disabilities, and 53,366 for the salary of a Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program coordinator. The FSS program coordinator will ensure public housing residents are linked to the support services they need to achieve self-sufficiency.

“Helping families, seniors, and the disabled transition from public housing to self-sufficiency promotes personal growth and builds communities,” said DeLauro. “The rising cost of housing is a concern for all Connecticut residents. I am delighted that through this funding, the New Haven Housing Authority will continue their good work.”

“With major budget cuts proposed to our public housing program, these grants will provide critically needed resources to support family self-sufficiency and to improve the quality of life for our seniors and persons with disabilities,” said Cynthia Y. Newton, Executive Director, Housing Authority of the City of New Haven.

The ROSS Elderly/Disabled grant program is intended to support services to help elderly and disabled public housing residents to live self-sufficiently and independently in their communities. This grant will help New Haven’s public housing residents to access needed services, including personal assistance with daily activities, transportation, health and wellness programs, recreational and educational activities, and employment preparation services.

The FSS program has a particular focus on promoting economic self-sufficiency and homeownership, while supporting the broad range of goals and supportive service needs of participant families.