The Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency Service Coordinator (ROSS-SC) Program for FY 2024 is a funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The ROSS grant aims to assist residents of Public and Indian Housing in making progress toward economic and housing self-sufficiency by addressing barriers related to education, employment, and health, among others. The program primarily funds Service Coordinators who help residents access supportive services and case management, with a specific focus on voluntary participation by residents.
The total available funding for FY 2024 is approximately $40 million, and HUD expects to make around 130 awards. Applicants can request funds for hiring a ROSS-SC, with funding amounts based on the number of occupied units served. The maximum grant per project can be $272,250 for one Service Coordinator, with the possibility of expanding to up to three Coordinators based on unit count and needs.
Eligible applicants include Public Housing Agencies (PHAs), Tribal and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs), Resident Associations (RAs), nonprofit organizations, and Multifamily Owners of certain RAD PBRA projects. Applicants must have a minimum of 50 occupied units in the projects they intend to serve. Special priority is given to RAs, with a 25% set-aside of funds reserved for them.
The grant term is 36 months, and it is a cost-reimbursable grant, meaning that costs are reimbursed by HUD after they are incurred. Applicants must provide a match of 25% of the total grant amount in either cash or in-kind contributions. The application also requires documentation like letters of support, match commitments, and specific narrative statements addressing topics such as advancing racial equity, affirmative marketing, and the Fair Housing Act.
Service Coordinators funded by the grant are expected to fulfill several roles, including conducting needs assessments, case management, coordination of service delivery, and fostering resident leadership development. The ROSS-SC must ensure that residents, including elderly and those with disabilities, receive services to improve their quality of life and promote independent living. Resident participation is entirely voluntary and cannot be a condition for continued housing.
HUD emphasizes the importance of strategic alignment with its broader goals of promoting equitable community development and improving economic opportunities for underserved communities. Applicants are encouraged to design their programs to achieve specific outcomes like increased educational attainment, improved health and wellness, and better financial literacy among residents. Evaluation of outcomes and regular reporting are mandatory, as grantees must submit annual progress reports to HUD.
Applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility and threshold requirements, including proper registration in SAM (System for Award Management) and a valid UEI (Unique Entity Identifier). Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov, and failure to comply with these requirements will result in disqualification. The due date for applications is October 21, 2024.
