HUD AWARDS $3.8 MILLION TO 34 ALASKA, IDAHO, OREGON & WASHINGTON HOUSING AUTHORITIES TO HELP FAMILIES WITH VOUCHERS FIND GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT

SEATTLE - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today awarded $3,783,052 in HUD Housing Choice Voucher/Family Self Sufficiency (HCV-FSS) funds to 34 Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington state housing authorities for 66 staff to help families receiving Housing Choice Voucher rent subsidies obtain job training and gainful employment.

Today's awards were a part of $57 million awarded under the program to help housing authorities across the county to hire or retain HCV/FSS service coordinators who will work directly with families to connect them to the supportive services that meet their individual needs and to become gainfully employed.

"This is a modest investment that can make a world of difference for families looking to find their path to self-sufficiency," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "As America's economy continues to recover, it's critical that we work to make sure every American has the skills and resources they need to successfully compete for jobs in the 21st Century."

Today's award recipients in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington include:

The service coordinators retained or hired through these programs work directly with residents to connect them with local organizations that provide education and job training and placement opportunities; as well as childcare, counseling, transportation and computer and financial literacy services available in their community. This program encourages innovative strategies that link Housing Choice Voucher assistance with other resources to enable participating families to find employment; increase earned income; reduce or eliminate the need for rental and/or welfare assistance; and make progress toward achieving economic independence and housing self-sufficiency.

Participants sign a five-year contract that requires the head of the household to obtain employment and no longer receive welfare assistance at the end of the five-year term. As the family's income rises, a portion of that increased income is deposited in an interest-bearing escrow account. If the family successfully completes its FSS contract, the family receives the escrow funds that it can use for any purpose, including paying educational expenses, starting a business or paying debts.

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