DANBURY HOUSING AUTHORITY EARNS GRANT

The Danbury Housing Authority has been awarded a more than $52,500 federal grant toward a program that helps families find jobs and maybe one day own a home of their own.

This is part of $1.1 million given to Connecticut public housing authorities and $78 million approved nationally from U.S. Housing and Urban Development.

The funding supports the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which has enabled residents to earn income and reduce or eliminate their need for rental or welfare assistance, HUD said.

Under the program, housing authorities hire service coordinators who work with residents to connect them with existing programs and services in the community.

Participants sign a five-year contract requiring the head of the household to set specific goals and achievements. Families have an interest-bearing escrow account established for them that they can access once they “graduate” from the program, HUD said.

The money in the account may be used toward advancements such as paying educational expenses or making a down payment on a home.

To graduate, the head of household must be employed and no member of the family may have received cash welfare assistance for 12 months.