WASHINGTON (AP) – Nearly $2.6 million will be available to help public housing residents in Ohio find job opportunities and be more self-sufficient.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Thursday awarded that amount in total grants to five public housing authorities and nonprofit organizations in Ohio to hire or retain service coordinators.

They will assess residents' needs and connect them with education, job training and placement programs. They also may connect them to computer and financial literacy services to help promote self-sufficiency.

The funding also will link the elderly and people with disabilities to supportive services allowing them to maintain independent living.

Agencies receiving the grants in Ohio include metropolitan housing authorities in Zanesville, Toledo, Akron and Springfield. Money also will go to the Jurisdiction-Wide Resident Advisory Board in Cincinnati.