HUD Hopes $12 Million in Grants Brings Economic Independence to Public Housing Residents

Posted On: September 29th, 2016

Today, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded approximately $12 million in grants to more than 200 public housing agencies nationwide with the aim to help public housing residents find jobs that may lead them toward economic independence and possibly independent housing.

These grants are provided by HUD's Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency Program. This special program enables public housing agencies (PHA) to hire program coordinators who work directly with residents to help them financially establish themselves and connect them with local education and training opportunities. One of the purposes of the program is to encourage local innovative strategies that link public housing assistance with public and private resources. This will in turn enable participating families to increase earned income and eventually move out of public housing. The program also advises and educates on landlord-tenant issues, eviction rights, and renting/leasing habits and responsibilities.

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan adds, "As America prepares to meet the growing challenges brought on by rising unemployment, it helps to have a helping hand guide individuals to training and job opportunities in their community. These grants will help public housing residents find employment or assist others who want to increase their earning power."

However, public housing residents must sign a contract to participate in the program, which outlines their responsibilities towards completion of training and employment objectives up to a five-year period. For each family participating in the program that is a welfare recipient, the PHA must establish an interim goal that the participating family be independent from welfare assistance prior to the expiration of the contract.

For assistance in legal matters concerning eviction rights, landlord rights, landlord-tenant issues, or to discuss your rights as a landlord, please contact Fort Lauderdale Evictions Lawyer Jay Fabrikant today.

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