The NMA Resident Service Award honors leaders in the affordable housing industry whose outreach improves the future of the families they serve.
Our 2024 winners were Rock Hill Housing Authority for a targeted, comprehensive Jobs Plus Program and Worcester Housing Authority for their remarkable food program.
Lakewood Housing Authority received an honorable mention for their HCV First-Time Homeownership Program.
Putting the "Plus" in Jobs Plus
At Rock Hill Housing Authority (RHHA) in South Carolina, their Jobs Plus Program has led to a 50 percent improvement in employment rate among participants and average income increase of 35 percent in the first year.
Through the program, RHHA addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by public housing residents while helping them access the necessary training, opportunities, and support for career success. RHHA leverages a broad network of community partnerships to provide professional support.
Partners include educational institutions, vocational training centers, and industry professionals who offer a variety of courses. Some participants have received financial assistance through the grant to complete 2- or 4-year degrees or certification programs.
In addition, RHHA cultivates strong relationships with local employers to facilitate effective job placement. They host regular job fairs, networking events, and onsite recruitment drives.
Assistance goes beyond providing job opportunities: RHHA also makes sure participants have the freedom and capability to get to work. The housing authority arranges childcare and transportation for program participants heading to training centers or workplaces.
To ensure participants can make effective use of their new income, RHHA’s partners hold financial literacy workshops on topics including salary negotiation, debt, financial planning, and credit-building courses.
And to aid participants in long-term career success, Jobs Plus Career Coaches offer career counseling and mentorship, along with helping the resident services manager plan professional development workshops. Jobs Plus Community Coaches (a role reserved for public housing residents) foster connections through mutual aid, refer residents to the program, and mentor their peers.
Find Rock Hill Housing Authority at rhha.org.
Success Starts With Food Stability
In Massachusetts, Worcester Housing Authority (WHA) created a collection of initiatives to address food insecurity, simply but aptly called their Food Program.
Begun in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing inflation in food prices, the program connects residents with food resources so they don’t have to worry about whether groceries fit into that month’s budget.
Program services include delivery of shelf-stable meals and food pantry bags, as well as emergency deliveries, and a free community fridge. A local partner brings mobile farmers’ markets to four housing sites; residents can pay with cash, card, SNAP, or other benefits. Four community gardens provide not only fruits and vegetables, but an opportunity for residents to participate in growing food.
This combination of services allows WHA residents to access fresh produce, premade meals, and pantry staples to meet diverse food needs and preferences.
WHA staff members deliver meals to more than 1,000 families every month and take the chance to meet and connect with residents. Employees have also stepped up to donate food to the community fridge
The agency-wide effort to create food stability does more than fill bellies. A regular, nutritious diet has an impact on quality of life; it means better sleep, better health, greater ability to focus. These in turn contribute to increased work and school performance. The WHA Food Program is part of the agency’s overall efforts to encourage families on the road to self-sufficiency.
Find Worcester Housing Authority at worcesterha.org.
Honorable Mention
Lakewood Housing Authority (LHA) in New Jersey was awarded an honorable mention for their HCV First-Time Homeownership Program.
LHA listened to resident needs and updated their program policy with practical, thoughtful changes to the employment requirements. The program has grown accordingly, with 65 current participants and 11 graduating homeowners in the past year.
Find Lakewood Housing Authority at www.lakewoodha.org.
