WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) today announced that 18 Virginia localities will receive more than $1.5 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funding will help Virginia families who receive federal housing vouchers and public housing residents reduce their dependency on welfare assistance and rental subsidies, by providing tools and resources that will assist them in gaining job skills and increasing their earned income.

“These funds will empower Virginia families by providing educational opportunities, job training, and counseling to help them reduce dependence on public assistance programs,” said Sen. Warner. “Helping people gain the skills necessary to become self-sufficient isn’t just better for taxpayers, it also strengthens our communities for the long term.”

“Providing Americans with the resources to succeed in today’s workforce is critical for a strong economy and helps families keep food on the table,” Sen. Kaine said. “I applaud the Department of Housing and Urban Development for taking this approach to spurring economic activity. These grants will give Virginians the opportunity to increase their income and move up the economic ladder.”

The following Virginia communities will receive funding from HUD’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program:

• Alexandria Redevelopment & Housing Authority: $69,000           
• Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority: $41,843                
• Chesapeake Redevelopment & Housing Authority: $162,030      
• Danville Redevelopment and Housing Authority: $23,636            
• Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority: $138,000             
• Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority: $50,813          
• Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority: $24,019  
• Hopewell Redevelopment and Housing Authority: $69,000         
• County of Loudoun: $67,326      
• Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority: $148,068            
• Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority: $332,175           
• Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority: $196,272  
• Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority: $69,000        
• City of Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority: $161,460          
• Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority: $104,340            
• City of Virginia Beach Dept. of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation: $48,435            
• Waynesboro Redevelopment and Housing Authority: $83,321   
• Prince William County Office of Housing & Community Development: $69,000

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