U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $738,000 in federal funds for three housing councils in Utica, NY. These funds were allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) program. Specifically, a total of $246,000 will be allocated to Adrean-Matt Resident Association, Inc. in the City of Utica; another $246,000 will be allocated to Gillmore-Humphrey Resident Association, Inc. in Utica; and $246,000 will be allocated to Marino-Peretta Resident Association, Inc. in Utica. Schumer and Gillibrand explained that the HUD ROSS program provides the critical federal funding that helps local resident agencies, public housing authorities and councils, nonprofit organizations and more support the kinds of services, programs and other activities designed to help those most in need become self-sufficient.
“These federal funds from HUD’s Self-Sufficiency program will help three housing organizations in Utica provide the services and programs needed to help our most vulnerable work towards housing and financial independence,” said Senator Schumer. “These resident organizations have a proven track record of assisting fellow tenants while they pursue pathways to economic opportunity, so they can better provide for their families and contribute to the regional economy.”
“This federal investment through HUD is a lifeline for hundreds of families in Utica,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Access to stable housing is essential for the health of our families and the economic strength of our communities. These federal dollars will help families get the resources they need so they can have a safe place to call home while gaining critical counsel, services and assistance acquiring the necessary skills for securing a good-paying job.”
Robert Calli, the Executive Director of the Utica Municipal Housing said, “On behalf of the Marino-Perreta, Adrean Matt, and Gillmore-Humphrey Resident Associations, the Utica Municipal Housing Authority would like to thank Senator’s Schumer and Gillibrand for his help in securing these Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Program grants for our community. The ROSS program is critically important in helping to link residents with the types of services they need to improve their lives, including job training and placement, literacy and after-school programs, computer and financial literacy services, and supportive services to help the elderly and disabled live independently and with dignity. Our residents need this type of support and assistance to become self-sufficient and lead independent and productive lives.”
According to HUD, the purpose of the ROSS-SC program is to provide funding to assist Public Housing Agencies, tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities, Resident Associations, and nonprofit organizations (including grassroots, faith-based and other community based organizations) in the hiring of Service Coordinators to coordinate supportive services and other activities designed to help public and Indian housing residents achieve economic and housing self-sufficiency.