HUD AWARDS $600,000 TO EXPAND JOBS AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS
Trenton one of only twelve housing authorities nationwide to receive Section 3 funding to stimulate employment and economic development in local communities

NEWARK - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today awarded $600,000 to increase hiring of low-income individuals and public housing residents. HUD is awarding twelve housing authorities, cities, and states $50,000 each 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 HUD Regional Administrator Adolfo Carrión. "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."

Trenton Housing Authority Executive Director Herbert Brown said "I can't tell you how pleased I was to receive a call today from Adolfo Carrión to be informed of the grant award. The Trenton Housing Authority has always worked to meet and if possible exceed the Section 3 mandates established for contactors receiving Federal monies. Having a Section 3 Coordinator committed to our HOPE VI project will strengthen the program to qualify Section 3 businesses for work in the area, and will assist tenants in succeeding to qualified positions when they become available."

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 HUD's website.

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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 at @HUDnews or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.