SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEARLY $2 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR NEW SYRACUSE JOB TRAINING PROGRAM

Syracuse One of Nine Funding Recipients Selected from Across the Country to Launch Program Connecting Public Housing Residents with Education and Employment Opportunities

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,977,607 in federal funding for the Syracuse Housing Authority to launch a new job training program that connects public housing residents with education and employment opportunities. SHA will use the funding to launch the “Work to Independence” in partnership with community organizations including Greater Syracuse Works, Center for Community Alternatives, Upstate Medical University Hospital, the University Hill Business Association, Syracuse University and the Urban Jobs Task Force. These organizations will collaborate to provide job training and preparation for high school equivalency and college entry. SHA is one of nine public housing authorities selected from across the country as a part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Jobs-Plus Pilot Program. HUD will invest $24 million over the next four years to the nine public housing authorities in the program.

“This federal funding will help the Syracuse Housing Authority provide 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.”

“This is an investment in the Syracuse community, and will empower our neighbors with the training and resources needed to launch successful careers,” said Senator Gillibrand. “SHA has outlined an exciting program that will help families become more financially secure, and I will continue to fight for federal funding to ensure it and other initiatives like it succeed.”

HUD’s Jobs-Plus Pilot Program supports work readiness and connects public housing residents with employment, education and financial empowerment services. It requires Public Housing Authorities to partner with Department of Labor American Jobs Centers, promotes initiatives to improve employment and earnings outcomes, a critical element of self-sufficiency for all families.

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