U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $2 million in federal U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding for the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). Specifically, the funding is authorized by HUD’s Jobs-Plus Pilot Program, which provides public housing authorities and their partners with funding to help residents increase their earned income and become self-sufficient. Jobs-Plus supports work readiness and connects public housing residents with employment, education and financial empowerment services in order to help public housing residents find and keep jobs.
“This federal funding will help provide NYCHA residents with the resources and training they need to find meaningful employment and contribute to the local economy,” said Senator Schumer. “This is a sound investment in providing our community members in need with the tools and skills essential to secure good-paying jobs, support their families and boost the regional economy.”
“Supporting education and training for our youth is a smart investment that will help strengthen our local economy and help families become more financially secure,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding for the New York City Housing Authority would provide additional opportunities and resources they need to help our youth prepare for future jobs, find employment opportunities, and reach their full potential. When we help strengthen our workforce, we can help more local businesses grow and set the foundation for a strong and growing economy.”
“Jobs-Plus is a valued program that increases economic opportunities for public housing residents through meaningful employment and education programs – and this grant will help us expand the program further,” said NYCHA Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye. “We appreciate the continued leadership of Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and our entire Congressional delegation in their support of HUD and public housing in New York City. Together, we will build more connected NYCHA communities for this generation and the next.”
NYCHA is one of six funding recipients selected from across the country to launch this pilot program. Overall, HUD invested over $14 million into the program nationwide.