OSWEGO – Mayor Corradino is pleased to announce that the City of Oswego Rental Assistance Program has been awarded renewal funding for the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. The grant which is awarded through The Department of Housing and Urban Development, ensures that the work being done to help families achieve self-sufficiency continues.
The award of $71,544 is a significant increase from previous years. It pays for the coordinators salary and fringe benefits thus reducing the burden of the position on taxpayers while continuing the effort to create a “hand up”, not a “handout” program. Grants are awarded through an application process and based on past performance.
Families currently being assisted on the City of Oswego Section 8 Rental Assistance Program are eligible to apply for the FSS program. Through the guidance of the FSS Coordinator working with the Program Coordinating Committee (PCC), families receive counseling on preparing a resume, securing childcare, budgeting, credit counseling, mental health and education, to name a few. As a family’s income increases, their share of the rent increases and money is put in an escrow savings account.
Recent graduates have created a few new openings in the program, so participants on the Section 8 program that are interested are encouraged to contact the office and fill out the Needs Assessment form. If selected, they will enter into a 5-year contract and develop an Individual Training Service Plan. To graduate and receive their escrow funds, participants must be suitably employed and free of cash assistance. “With the help of the dedicated staff of the Oswego Rental Assistance program, the Family Self-Sufficiency program is a perfect example of providing our residents with a hand up that will assist them in improving their lives”, said Mayor Corradino.
Those interested in more information on this program should contact the Rental Assistance Program Office at (315) 343-3452.
Discover more from Oswego County Today
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.