HUD’s programs will be used to equip residents with the tools and resources they need to achieve financial stability, lower housing costs, and build generational wealth.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced $44 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 funding through the Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program and the Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Service Coordinator Program. Funding from both programs, will be used to equip residents with the tools and resources they need to achieve financial independence, attain families’ goals, and build generational wealth and economic mobility. The Acting Secretary Todman made the announcement at the Westwood Opportunity Center in Denver, Colorado.
“At HUD, part of our work includes empowering people to navigate everyday challenges,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “The funding announced today provides a foundation for personal and financial growth that will help families achieve their families’ goals and attain economic justice.”
The FSS program is a voluntary initiative offered to families in HUD-assisted housing. FSS Program Coordinators provide coaching and develop local strategies to connect participating families with public and private resources aimed at increasing their earned income and financial empowerment. These efforts also seek to reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance and facilitate progress toward economic independence and self-sufficiency.
The ROSS Service Coordinator program provides funding to hire and maintain service coordinators. These coordinators assess the needs of residents in conventional public housing or Indian housing and coordinate available community resources to meet those needs. This place-based program targets the entire resident community, aiming to connect public and private resources to empower residents of public housing.
Later today, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, Richard Monocchio, will be making a separate award announcement in Flint, Michigan alongside new award recipients from the Flint Housing Commission and the Birch Park Apartments multifamily housing partners from Saginaw, Michigan.
“As we continue to expand housing supply and improve housing affordability, we are just as focused on ensuring that residents have the supports and services, they need to reach opportunities and meet their goals,” said Richard Monocchio, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing. “There’s nothing more inspiring than seeing individuals and families building for their future and the future of their children when they’re given the opportunity to achieve their dreams with help from programs like FSS and ROSS.
In addition, HUD released the FY 2024 ROSS program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that will provide $40 million for eligible entities to apply. This three-year grant will help pay for service coordinators at target developments.
ROSS and FSS funding play a pivotal role in helping families achieve economic independence and enhance their quality of life. By offering comprehensive support services such as job training, financial literacy education, and health and wellness programs, these initiatives provide families with the tools they need to overcome barriers and pursue their goals. Through personalized case management and the innovative escrow savings account, FSS funding helps participants build financial security and plan for their future. Together, ROSS and FSS funding are not just assistance programs; they are powerful catalysts for transformation and autonomy in our communities.
Eligible applicants can apply here.
To see a list of ROSS grantees, click here.
To see a list of FSS grantees, click here.