April 13, 2011

Manchin, Rockefeller Announce $139,502 to Better Prepare Low-Income Families for the Workforce

Funds will support HUD’s Family Self Sufficiency program, which assists housing voucher recipients develop skills and experience.

Washington, D.C. – United States Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller (both D-W.Va.), today announced that local housing programs across West Virginia will receive $139,502 to support the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which assists very low-income families find employment and achieve economic independence.  Local public housing agencies are responsible for administering this assistance.

“These funds will help us care for our most vulnerable neighbors in need, ensuring that some of West Virginia’s families have a place to turn for housing,” Manchin said. “Not only will these funds help struggling families keep a roof over their heads, but they will also support education and skill-set development so local communities can prepare residents for the workforce, giving them the tools to become economically independent.”

“Particularly during these tough economic times, too many families in West Virginia are struggling,” said Rockefeller. “This grant is an important part of helping low-income families receive assistance so that they can gain the necessary skills to help them earn a living wage and make a brighter future for their families.”

This funding will specifically be used to support the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which is a part of the Housing Choice Vouchers Program. These funds will help public housing agencies work with welfare agencies, schools, businesses and other local partners to develop a program that will help FSS program participants obtain the skills and experience that will allow them to earn a living wage.

The following housing facilities were awarded grants:

Charleston-Kanawha Housing Authority ($35,423)

Clarksburg-Harrison Regional Housing Authority ($34,028)

Housing Authority of Mingo County ($39,865)

The Housing Authority of the City of Fairmont ($30,186)

 

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