Housing agencies given grants to help low-income residents

July 17, 2016 3:04 pm

By: The Associated Press

news@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) _ Housing agencies in Rhode Island have been awarded a total of nearly $1 million in grants to help low-income residents gain job skills and financial independence.

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed announced the “Family Self-Sufficiency Program” grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The funding was awarded to housing authorities in Central Falls, Coventry, Cumberland, East Greenwich, East Providence, Narragansett, North Providence, Pawtucket, Providence and Warwick.

Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat, says the investment will help people gain skills and increase their earning power, while reducing the need for rental subsidies or other public assistance.

Public housing agencies will work with community partners to help assisted housing residents find work, access job training resources and achieve financial independence.

Rhode Island Housing is also receiving nearly $200,000.