Transforming Lives & Communities

Houston Housing Authority

Community Highlights

Vol. 4 July 2014

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

FSS Graduation

Section 3

Utility Assistance

Board of Commissioners:

Lance Gilliam, ChairAssata-Nicole Richards, Vice ChairBobbie FiguresTina Arias PetermanLaRence SnowdenNicola Fuentes ToubiaPhillis WilsonTory Gunsolley, President & CEO

2640 Fountain View Dr.Suite 400Houston, Texas 77057Phone: 713.260.0500713.260.0547 TTYwww.housingforhouston.com

The mission of the Houston Housing Authority is to improve lives by

providing quality, affordable housing options and promoting education and

economic self-sufficiency.

FSS Program Graduates its Largest Class

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Customer Service Hotline713.260.0377

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Graduates of the Family Self-Sufficiency program proudly display their Certificates of Completion during the FSS graduation ceremony on July 25.

and that is exactly what happened. Bass has worked for Houston Independent School District for ten years in various positions including a Special Ed teacher and now as a General Clerk. When she joined the FSS program, her main goal was to become a homeowner. Before her oldest daughter left for college, Bass wanted her to experience having her own room, and a backyard to enjoy. Not only was Bass able to give her daughter that experience but her daughter is also excited about coming back to their home for the holidays.

“It is a wonderful feeling to be a homeowner,” Bass said. “I walk differently, I talk differently, I even dress differently. I used to be afraid of being a homeowner because I thought it would be too much of a responsibility but I realized that I can handle it. I’m now fearless and looking for the next thing in my life to conquer.”

In July, the Houston Housing Authority graduated 19 clients from its Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program, our largest class to date. The FSS program promotes and encourages participants to develop strategies towards financial independence. Participants sign a five-year contract agreeing to work towards accomplishing individual goals that they set for themselves. This year’s graduates are all employed, have increased their earned income by 314 percent, have a combined total escrow of $127,000 and 50 percent of the graduates have an annual income that successfully exits them from the voucher program. Two graduates Bernadette Smith and Veronica Bass are now proud homeowners.

Veronica Bass, a former voucher participant moved into her new home in Missouri City on December 31, 2013. She told her two daughters that she wanted to welcome the New Year in a new home,

Houston Housing Authority

Introducing the Section 3 Program

What is Section 3?The purpose of Section 3, an initiative of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is to help low-income individuals gain the education and skills needed to become self-sufficient. Houston Housing Authority’s Section 3 program has made strong commitments to promote education, training, and job placement. Voucher holders and residents have the opportunity to attend job readiness programs such as career assessment, resume writing, and networking workshops through our Section 3 program.

Who are Section 3 residents?Public Housing residentsVoucher Program participantsLow-income Houstonians

What does Section 3 offer?Employment OpportunitiesOn the Job Training Educational CoursesCareer FairsJob Readiness ClassesNetworking Opportunities

For more information contact Section 3 Coordinator:Damien Kelly, PHR, CHWOffice: (713) 260-0614 DKelly@housingforhouston.com

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Section 3 client Lester Coleman received a certification in weatherization and obtained a job in the construction field with assistance from HHA’s Section 3 program.

Utility Assistance

Summer is here, which may mean higher utility bills. If you need assistance paying your utility bills, these agencies can help:

Sheltering Arms Senior Services3838 Aberdeen Way, Houston, TX 77025(713) 685-6577

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul2403 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77093(713) 741-8234 x101

Wesley Community Center1410 Lee Street, Houston, TX 77009(713) 223-8131

Harris County Community Services Dept.Office of Social Services9418 Jensen Drive, Houston, TX 77093(713) 696-7900

Chinese Community Center9800 Town Park, Houston, TX 77036(281) 822-0263

Northwest Assistance Ministries15555 Kuykendahl Rd., Houston, TX 77090(281) 885-4562

Target Hunger2814 Quitman, Houston, TX 77026(713) 226-4950

Catholic Charities2900 Louisiana, Houston, TX 77006(713) 874-6774

Christian Community Service3434 Branard, Houston, TX 77027(713) 227-9981

Memorial Assistance Ministries9448 Long Point, Houston, TX 77055(713) 468-4516

City Wide Club4101 San Jacinto, Suite 131Houston, TX 77004(713) 752-2582

Larkin Community Center5414 Larkin St., Houston, TX 77007(713) 869-9143