WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today announced that the Ansonia and New Haven Housing Authorities have obtained grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Ansonia Housing Authority was awarded $50,890 and the New Haven Housing Authority $53,366 for the salaries of Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program coordinators. FSS program coordinators assure that participants are linked to the support services they need to achieve self-sufficiency through the Housing Choice Voucher FSS program.

“Helping Ansonia and New Haven families achieve self-sufficiency not only leads to the independence of homeownership, but 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 Ansonia and New Haven Housing Authorities will continue their good work.”

“In addition to helping the elderly and persons with disabilities to sustain a decent life and home, shepherding families from dependence to self-sufficiency is among the most important objectives of our Authority’s mission,” said Carissa Ann Riddle, Executive Director of the Ansonia Housing Authority. “The recognition of our efforts and the commitment by Congress to fund a program, which helps families to successfully transition from poverty to economic independence in this time of scarce federal dollars, is both encouraging and gratifying.”

“The Family Self-Sufficiency Program is a vital resource to help New Haven’s Housing Choice Voucher families pursue their goals of employment, career advancement, and homeownership,” said Cynthia Y. Newton, Executive Director, Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (HANH). “The program has helped six families become first-time homeowners. This new HUD grant will allow HANH to provide intensive full-family services to 50 families who, with a helping hand, are committed to pursuing their family’s self-sufficiency.”

The FSS program was established in 1990 by section 554 of the National Affordable Housing Act. The program promotes economic independence and self-sufficiency through a comprehensive program of skills and job training.