Lynn, Revere get federal housing grants

LYNN – Lynn and Revere were among 32 communities statewide to receive federal grants Monday to provide job training for low-income residents through the municipal housing authority.The grants were part of a $49 million funding package awarded nationwide by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Massachusetts agencies received $2.5 million to help put low-income residents living in subsidized housing on the path toward self-sufficiency.This program has proven its effectiveness in helping families develop the skills that lead to stable employment,” said HUD Secretary Steve Preston. “Getting a decent job and increasing a person’s potential for higher paying employment is the first step to becoming economically independent.The Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development (LHAND) received $59,445. The Revere Housing Authority received $66,000.Funded through HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Family Self-Sufficiency Program, the grants allow public housing agencies to work with welfare agencies, schools, businesses and other local partners. The goal is to develop a comprehensive program to help families living in public housing complexes or participating in the government’s welfare housing program, formerly known as Section 8, develop the skills and experience to enable them to obtain jobs that pay a living wage.The grants allow housing agencies to hire or retain coordinators on staff to assist adult residents in finding employment. The coordinators link participants to resources in the community that can help with their job search, such as job-training opportunities, employment placement programs or local employers.The coordinators also help individuals locate childcare, counseling services and transportation, which are often times impediments to employment.Participants sign a five-year contract that stipulates the head of the household will find suitable employment and the family will no longer receive public assistance at the end of the program.Since public housing and voucher rents are tied to income, when income rises normally rent rises as well. With the FSS program, the rent increase is paid to the housing authority, but goes into an interest-bearing escrow account.If the participant successfully graduates from the program, they can use the escrow account for a variety of goals, including down payment on a home, starting a business, paying back debts or paying educational expenses.