SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $240K IN HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR THE ROCHESTER-FINGER LAKES REGION

2 Housing Authorities in Monroe & Ontario Counties Will Receive HUD Family Self Sufficiency Program Funds

Funds Will Be Used To Support Housing & Job Training Programs For Those in Need

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $241,456 in federal funds for two housing authorities in the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region. These funds were allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program. The FSS program assists local social services agencies, community colleges, businesses and other local organizations in providing education and job training in order to help those participating in HUD’s housing voucher program and living in public housing gain marketable job skills.

“These federal funds from the Family Self-Sufficiency program will help two housing agencies in the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region provide the education and job training programs needed to help our most vulnerable gain the job skills needed to get back on their feet,” said Senator Schumer. “When we help job seekers gain education and marketable job skills we open up pathways to economic opportunity and help those in need to better provide for their families.”

“This federal investment through HUD is a lifeline for hundreds of families in the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region,” 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 assistance in acquiring the necessary skills for securing a good-paying job.” 

The following groups in the Rochester Finger Lakes region received this HUD funding:

·                  The Rochester Housing Authority in Monroe County will receive $175,814

·                  The Geneva Housing Authority in Ontario County will receive $65,642

“Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have been strong advocates for affordable housing and understand the impact it can have on families,” said Shawn Burr, interim executive director for the Rochester Housing Authority (RHA). “RHA’s mission goes beyond ensuring families have access to decent, affordable housing. This funding will support our efforts to help our residents and participants reach self-sufficiency by connecting them to job training and educational services.”

“This HUD grant is for continued funding of a staff position under our Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency Program,” said Andrew R. Tyman, Chief Executive Officer of the Geneva Housing Authority. “We are excited about this continued funding to help the GHA carry on with this very important program, moving residents and participants into a position where they are no longer dependent on government subsidies.”

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