U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $178,704 in federal funds to Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. 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 through housing, skills training, and health care services.
“These federal funds from HUD’s Self-Sufficiency program are crucial to helping our most vulnerable keep a roof over their heads while getting back on their feet,” said Senator Schumer. “Chautauqua Opportunities has a proven track record of assisting those in need while they pursue pathways to economic opportunity, so they can better provide for their families and contribute to the regional economy.”
“These federal funds will help ensure that residents of public housing in Chautauqua have access to the resources and support they need to live safe and productive lives,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Chautauqua Opportunities provides important assistance to many families who are looking to empower themselves and become more financially independent, and we need to make sure that these programs are able to continue into the future. I will continue to urge my colleagues to support funding for public housing programs like this.”
“Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. is grateful for the opportunity to serve residents of the Dunkirk Housing Authority through funds provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency Program,” said Josiah Lamp, Housing and Community Development Operations Director for Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. “In partnership with the Dunkirk Housing Authority, we will be able to provide life coaching to housing authority residents to promote self-sufficiency by creating linkages to education, employment, health insurance, and other supportive services. These supportive services are critical to improving the long-term stability and economic security of residents. As residents work to achieve their goals, their quality of life is improved and the community benefits. Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. is a community action agency, established in 1965, with the mission of leading the fight against poverty by mobilizing resources and creating partnerships to promote empowerment, economic independence, and opportunities.”
HUD’s ROSS 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.