- Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
BOSTON — The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities awarded more than $1 million to local housing authorities and regional administering agencies this month to promote economic opportunity for public housing residents.
The Self-Sufficiency Program grants support efforts of residents in state-aided public housing as well as participants in the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program in making measurable gains in employment, financial stability and asset building and education. Participants work with a self-sufficiency coach to set and complete goals centered around economic mobility. As participants’ incomes increase and their rent goes up, they are able to escrow the increased amount of rent, up to $20,000.
"These grants are a terrific opportunity to support our public housing and MRVP recipients by empowering them with tools to improve their lives and to become more self-sufficient,” said Secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus. “The Self-Sufficiency Program helps individuals make improvements to their education or employment, leading to greater financial independence.”
The program is up to a three-year commitment for participants with the opportunity to renew for two additional years, one year at a time. One participant per household may enroll at a time. Participants work with coaches to create an individualized goal plan containing up to three SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) goals. Coaches then support participants in achieving their goals while connecting them to community resources and creating/managing the escrow accounts.
HLC issued a Notice of Funding Availability in November 2024 asking local housing authorities to apply for the Self-Sufficiency Program. Grants were limited to housing authorities or regional administering agencies that own or administer at least 100 units of state-aided family public housing, MRVP vouchers or some combination of the two programs.
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities awarded grants to the following 11 public housing authorities and regional administering agencies:
- Arlington Housing Authority & Waltham Housing Authority (New) - $100,000 annually
- Brookline Housing Authority (Continuing) - $100,000 annually
- Chelsea Housing Authority & Everett Housing Authority (Continuing) - $100,000 annually
- Gloucester Housing Authority (New) - $100,000 annually
- Lowell Housing Authority (Continuing) - $70,000 annually
- Neighborworks Housing Solutions (Continuing) - $100,000 annually
- Salem Housing Authority & Marblehead Housing Authority (New) - $100,000 annually
- Somerville Housing Authority (Continuing) - $70,000 annually
- Taunton Housing Authority & Stoughton Housing Authority (New) - $100,000 annually
- Watertown Housing Authority (New) - $100,000 annually
- Wayfinders (Continuing) - $100,000 annually
Statements of support
Senator Adam Gomez:
“I am glad to see the announcement of new and continuing grants through the Self-Sufficiency Program established by the EOHLC, continuing efforts that are helping individuals bridge the prosperity gap and begin to make meaningful strides towards improving their economic standing and stability. We must continue to invest in programs that not only provide financial aid but financial literacy and guidance as well. Our state's dollars are more effective when coupled with education, and I am proud of organizations like Wayfinders in Springfield who are taking that money and turning it into real improvement and a sound monetary foundation for the people they serve.”
Senator Sal DiDomenico:
“This program is a great example of government being innovative and supporting people’s financial and career goals based on their needs and unique circumstances. I am thrilled to see Chelsea and Everett continuing this service that empowers our neighbors to achieve economic security and build the bright future they deserve. I want to thank the Healey Administration for keeping this program going for people in my community and all over the Commonwealth.”
Representative Thomas M. Stanley:
“I'm thrilled that the Waltham Housing Authority received this grant for their efforts to help residents become more independent. I applaud the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for partnering with our housing authorities on this important program, one that combines affordable housing and workforce development."
Senator Minority Leader Bruce Tarr:
“These grants provide funding for valuable tools that help residents of publicly subsidized housing to move forward in building economic independence and financial sustainability. The Gloucester Housing Authority, through this grant, can partner with them to achieve those goals in a supportive environment.”
Senator Brendan Crighton:
“This grant program is providing pathways for residents to create strong economic foundations as they build towards financial stability. I am thrilled to see Marblehead Housing Authority included in this opportunity to offer participants life-changing supportive services that will help them make advancements in education, employment, and financial literacy.”
Representative Judith Garcia:
“I’m grateful to see the Self-Sufficiency Program continue in Chelsea and Everett thanks to grant funding from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. This vital support empowers individuals and families to take charge of their financial futures and, in many cases, make a meaningful U-turn toward long-term wealth building.”
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