WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, announced two federal grants totaling over $215,000 to help families in public housing find ways to support themselves so they are able to live independent lives.

“At the end of the day, all families want a safe and secure home that they are able to afford for themselves and their children,” said Heitkamp. “These federal funds will help give those in need a helping hand to get back on their feet.”

The federal grants are distributed as follows:

• Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority: $110,836

• The Housing Authority of the City of Grand Forks: $104,899

These federal funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program. This program assists families living in public housing to increase their own income through a coordinated effort that addresses the need of childcare, financial literacy, home ownership, and employment assistance.