January 07, 2020

Public Housing Agencies in Massachusetts Awarded Over $3.5 Million in Federal Grants

Funding Will Support Education, Employment, and Savings for HUD-Assisted Families

Washington, DC - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA), along with Representatives Richard E. Neal (D-MA-01), James P. McGovern (D-MA-02), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA-08), Joseph P. Kennedy III (D-MA-04), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06) and Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded over $3.5 million in federal grants to public housing agencies (PHAs) in Massachusetts.

The funding, which was awarded through HUD's Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, will fund caseworkers who will help residents of public and voucher-assisted housing further their education, gain skills, and build savings.

The federal grants awarded include:

  • $785,547 to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • $360,000 to the Worcester Housing Authority
  • $303,318 to the Boston Housing Authority
  • $142,000 to the Fall River Housing Authority
  • $139,000 to the Brockton Housing Authority
  • $136,319 to the Malden Housing Authority
  • $132,987 to the Somerville Housing Authority
  • $116,810 to the Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development (LHAND)
  • $113,158 to the Holyoke Housing Authority
  • $74,265 to the Framingham Housing Authority
  • $73,032 to the Lowell Housing Authority
  • $72,000 to the Winchester Housing Authority
  • $72,000 to the Milton Housing Authority
  • $72,000 to the Quincy Housing Authority
  • $72,000 to the Arlington Housing Authority
  • $72,000 to the Medford Housing Authority
  • $72,000 to the Chelsea Housing Authority
  • $69,267 to the Taunton Housing Authority
  • $66,430 to the Acton Housing Authority
  • $64,449 to the Chelmsford Housing Authority
  • $64,393 to the Methuen Housing Authority
  • $63,961 to the Greenfield Housing Authority
  • $62,036 to the Braintree Housing Authority
  • $60,000 to the Attleboro Housing Authority
  • $57,439 to the Leominster Housing Authority
  • $53,286 to the Gloucester Housing Authority
  • $52,000 to the Plymouth Housing Authority
  • $36,000 to the Revere Housing Authority
  • $33,026 to the North Andover Housing Authority
  • $33,000 to the Hingham Housing Authority
  • $33,000 to the Wayland Housing Authority
  • $30,967 to the Melrose Housing Authority

"These grants are wonderful news for our public housing agencies across the Commonwealth," said Senator Elizabeth Warren. "This new funding will help Massachusetts residents living in public housing access the education, training, and support they need to further their careers and build better financial futures for themselves and for their families."

"Democratizing access to the opportunities of housing, education, and work training strengthens communities and futures," said Senator Ed Markey. "Thanks to this federal funding, our public housing agencies will be able to help hard-working families earn more, achieve more, and proposer more. These kinds of investments for our public housing residents help lead to self sufficiency and financial independence."

"HUD's Family Self-Sufficiency grant program has been a key resource in assisting families to increase their earned income and reduce their dependency on welfare assistance and housing subsidies," said Congressman Richard E. Neal. "These funds that will be allocated to the Holyoke Housing Authority will ensure that participants make meaningful progress toward that goal."

"Decades of stagnant wages and rising housing costs have made it next to impossible for many families to pay the bills and put food on the table," said Congressman Jim McGovern. "These self-sufficiency grants to local housing authorities will help uplift folks in Leominster, Worcester, and Greenfield who just need a hand up to get ahead. This is a smart and targeted investment that will help participants gain the skills they need to increase their earning power and achieve long-term financial independence. I am proud to have worked alongside our congressional delegation to support this program, and I look forward to continuing to fight until every family has the resources needed to survive and thrive."

"As someone who grew up in public housing, I know firsthand the hardships families face who depend on housing subsidies, especially as the cost of living continues to increase," said Representative Stephen F. Lynch.  "I am very pleased to see all these public housing agencies receive this funding and I believe it is imperative we continue to invest in these programs that provide those struggling with the education and assistance necessary to help improve their lives and become self-sufficient.  I am grateful to Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey for the work that they have done to help make this happen."

"Lifting up families and empowering workers requires a collaborative approach that increases access to housing, health care and educational opportunities," said Congressman Joe Kennedy III. "With this funding, communities across our Commonwealth will be able to provide their neighbors with the support they deserve."

"No matter how hard you work, if you don't have the right skills or the right opportunities, it's impossible to get ahead. This grant will help people save for a rainy day and build the skills they need to land a great job." Congressman Seth Moulton said.

"This federal grant funding is welcome news for public housing agencies in Lowell, Acton, Chelmsford, Methuen, and across the Commonwealth. Thanks to these smart investments, Massachusetts residents living in public housing will get additional assistance accessing the education, training, and support they need to advance their careers and secure a better future for themselves and for their families. Not only will this strengthen individual communities, but it will also better position our entire state for growth in a competitive global economy," said Congresswoman Lori Trahan.

HUD's FSS Program funding helps local public housing authorities to hire Service Coordinators who work directly with residents to connect them with existing programs and services in the local community. These Service Coordinators build relationships with networks of local service providers, which provide direct assistance to FSS participants. The broad spectrum of services made possible through FSS enables participating families to find jobs and increase their income and savings.

More information about HUD's FSS program is available here.

Senator Warren has led efforts in Congress to increase funding for affordable housing. In March 2019, she led her colleagues in reintroducing the American Housing and Economic Mobility Act, historic legislation that would help bring down costs for renters and buyers, level the playing field so working families everywhere can find a decent place to live at a decent price, and take the first step to address the effects of decades of housing discrimination on communities of color.

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