News from the
United States Congress
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | ||
| December 13, 2007 | ||
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln (D) and Mark Pryor (D) and Representatives Marion Berry (D-1st), Vic Snyder (D-2nd), John Boozman (R-3rd), and Mike Ross (D-4th) today announced $877,749 in grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Grants were awarded through two separate programs in HUD: the Housing Choice Voucher Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program and the Resident Opportunities for Self Sufficiency (ROSS) program. The FSS program assists families receiving housing vouchers in obtaining employment that can lead to economic independence. It coordinates local public housing agencies with schools, businesses, welfare agencies, and other local partners that can develop work-related skills and experiences for FSS family members. Public housing agencies in Arkansas will receive $765,892 through the FSS program.
The ROSS program provides funds to public housing agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other community-based organizations for job training and supportive services that will help participating public housing residents transition from welfare to work. It also provides funds to help elderly and disabled residents continue to live independently. Public housing agencies in Arkansas will receive $111,857 through the ROSS program.
“How we care for our low-income, elderly, and disabled populations is a reflection of our values as a society,” said Lincoln. “I applaud the public housing agencies in Arkansas that sought out these federal funds so that they can continue to help Arkansans in need become self-sufficient.”
“Independent living and professional growth and development go hand in hand,” said Pryor. “These important programs will make a real difference in improving the lives of many Arkansans and are a wise investment in our local economy.”
"Anytime we can help people help themselves, we are empowering them with hope for a better future," said Congressman Berry. "These grants will allow low-income families and seniors to take steps toward economic security and independence. I commend all of the grant recipients for securing these federal funds and will continue to work with the delegation to find more ways to help public housing residents."
“The housing self sufficiency programs provide a means for low income citizens to get on a track to independence, and also help seniors and people with disabilities in maintaining the ability to choose how they want to live,” said Congressman Vic Snyder. “The HUD grants are a great support for Arkansas families striving to achieve these goals.”
“The fundamental concern of all families is whether or not they have a roof over their head,” Boozman said. “This money is an investment in the men and women of Arkansas who work everyday to ensure families which need assistance have adequate housing and are taught the skills to become productive members of our communities.”
“The Family Self Sufficiency Program is an important tool to provide quality housing for Arkansas’s hard working families to help them achieve economic independence,” Ross said. “I am proud to join with my colleagues in the Arkansas Congressional Delegation to announce this vital funding and I will continue fighting on behalf of working families in Washington.”
The following is a list of grant recipients in Arkansas and the amount awarded to each recipient:
Housing Choice Voucher FSS Program Awards
Fort Smith Housing Authority - $98,152
Housing Authority of Lonoke County - $36,410
Housing Authority of the City of Hope - $30,697
Housing Authority of the City of Hot Springs - $32,968
Housing Authority of the City of Pine Bluff - $74,450
Housing Authority of West Memphis - $40,300
Jonesboro Urban Renewal and Housing Authority - $41,212
Lee County Housing Authority - $23,933
McGehee Public Residential Housing Facilities Board - $31,851
Mississippi County Public Facilities Board - $72,955
North Little Rock Housing Authority - $107,871
Northwest Regional Housing Authority - $39,809
Pope County Public Facilities Board - $34,992
Pulaski County Housing Authority - $34,810
White River Regional Housing Authority - $38,430
Wynne Housing Authority - $27,052
ROSS Program Awards
Housing Authority of Lonoke County - $33,990
Housing Authority of the City of North Little Rock - $37,182
Housing Authority of the City of West Memphis - $40,685
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