What is the ROSS program and what is its purpose?
North Bergen Housing Authority
(North Bergen, NJ)
The ROSS program links residents of public housing and housing funded through the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) to supportive services and activities, enabling them to make progress towards economic independence and housing self-sufficiency. Grantees can identify additional goals based on the needs of the public and Indian housing communities they serve.
What are the overall goals of the ROSS program?
For families, the ROSS program is intended to enable participants to:
- Make progress toward economic independence and housing self-sufficiency;
- Reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance; and
- Increase earned income.
For elderly (age 62+) participants and persons with disabilities, the ROSS program aims to:
- Enhance quality of life by connecting residents to services and activities;
- Enable participants to age/remain in place; and
- Avoid more costly forms of care, such as nursing homes or other institutional facilities.
Through needs assessments, case management, and referrals to community- and web-based services, ROSS Service Coordinators help each participant advance towards the above goals in ways that best fit their needs, personal priorities, and interests.
What is economic independence and housing self-sufficiency?
A family achieves economic independence and housing self-sufficiency when they earn enough to support themselves without relying on government assistance, such as welfare or a housing subsidy.