Housing authority receives second grant to help residents

The Poplar Bluff Housing Authority is the recipient for a second time of a federal grant for nearly $240,000.

The Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency Grant comes from U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department. The grant period is June 1-May 31, 2027.

The Poplar Bluff Housing Authority was the only recipient in Missouri of the 2023 ROSS grant and local housing authority officials say they are honored to be awarded the renewal.

“The return of the Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency Grant for the PBHA is exciting,”said Darrin J. Taylor, CEO and executive director. “These funds will mean increased programs and resources for all PBHA residents. It is our goal to help our residents take advantage of this opportunity to fulfill their goals and reach their full potential.”

Jessica Dawson is the program director for the grant. Using the grant, Dawson provides residents in public housing the opportunity to improve their circumstances. She works to connect residents to various community resources. As residents take part in the ROSS program, they will be assisted with support services to ensure successful completion. With this assistance, residents can feel confident in their ability to reach the goal of living independently from any public assistance.

The ROSS program’s mission of self-sufficiency is further defined as a resident’s ability to progress through training, education and the utilization of supportive services, said Tammy Harper, office manager. In the case of elderly/disabled residents, self-sufficiency is defined as the utilization of supportive services which enable them to better age in place or remain living independently for as long as possible.

“Our ROSS Grant Program Coordinator, Ms. Jessica Dawson, has excelled in identifying and creating relationships with several community partners,” Harper said. “These partners provide resources to help our residents to self-sufficiency. Jessica is looking forward to continuing to assist our residents and collaborating with community partners to help our residents to achieve their goals.”

For more information, contact Dawson at 573-872-4122.