The Haverhill and Methuen Housing Authorities are again sharing in federal money aimed at reducing or eliminating the need for tenants to receive welfare assistance.
Haverhill Housing Authority was awarded $82,000 while Methuen received $127,681 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to retain coordinators to help tenants receive training and services to improve their economic self-sufficiency.
“This investment in the family self-sufficiency program reaffirms HUD’s commitment to empowering families to achieve lasting economic independence,” said HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman. “This funding helps us provide the tools and resources families need to build a brighter future—one where stable housing, financial security and upward mobility are within reach.”
Family Self-Sufficiency program coordinators provide coaching and develop local strategies to connect participating families with public and private resources to build savings, gain employment and achieve financial independence. Support services include job training, financial literacy education and health and wellness programs. Any increases in a family’s rent as a result of increased earned income during the family’s participation results in a credit to the family’s escrow account. Once a family graduates from the program, they may use the money for any purpose.
Through personalized case management and the innovative escrow savings account, FSS funding helps participants build financial security and plan for their future. FSS is not just assistance programs; it is a powerful catalyst for transformation and autonomy in our communities.
The money is part of more than $140 million given to 836 previously funded public housing agencies and multifamily property owners to support 1,537 service coordinator positions across the country.