Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $193,164 in federal funds to the Akwesasne Housing Authority in Hogansburg, located in Franklin County. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) program and will be used to advance local programs designed to help those most in need become self-sufficient.
“These federal funds from HUD’s Self-Sufficiency program will help the Akwesasne Housing Authority in Hogansburg provide the services and programs needed to help our most vulnerable achieve 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 critical for Hogansburg families in need,” 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.”
“The Akwesasne Housing Authority is proud that we can continue with our Support to Elders Program (STEP), which serves our most precious of human resources, our elders. HUD’s awarding of the ROSS grant for three years means that we can place a greater focus on assisting our seniors in gracefully aging in place. They enjoy not only a pleasant living environment here at Sunrise Acres, but the services our residents receive are a great priority to the AHA, and the HUD ROSS grant Service Coordinator Program is the means that makes this possible,” said Retha M. Herne, Executive Director of Akwesasne Housing Authority.
The ROSS-SC program provides funding to assist Public Housing Agencies, resident associations, and nonprofit 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.