HUD Archives: News Releases

HUD AWARDS FUNDING TO CITY OF SPRINGFIELD TO EXPAND JOBS AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS
Section 3 funding will stimulate employment and economic development in Springfield

BOSTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today awarded $50,000 to increase hiring of low-income individuals and public housing residents in the City of Springfield, Mass. Springfield joins 12 other housing authorities, cities, and states each receiving $50,000 from HUD to hire full-time Section 3 Program Coordinators for one year. These grants will maximize a HUD program that ensures HUD dollars are used to hire low-income individuals and to contract with businesses that hire them.

Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 promotes new employment, training, and contracting opportunities on federal HUD-funded projects. "The funding announced today advances HUD's commitment to investing in people as well as buildings in areas of the country that need it greatly," said John Trasviña, HUD
Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. "Having a Section 3 Program Coordinator has been shown to be a best practice, maximizing a grantee's ability to promote jobs, contracts, and training opportunities."

Eighty-five housing authorities and local and state governments from around the country applied for this competitive national grant. Grants were awarded to housing authorities and jurisdictions with high unemployment and a demonstrated commitment to partner with other local agencies and sustain the position after one year.

HUD's grant funding will go to the following:

For additional information about HUD's Section3 program, go to: www.hud.gov/section3.

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HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on twitter @HUDnews, on facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.