WM Housing Authority issues record check for program grad

WM Housing Authority issues record check for program grad

‘ This is like a promotion for our program,’ says director

news@theeveningtimes.com

She came a long way.

Congratulations were in order for Chancty Johnson after working six years through a public housing self-sufficiency program in West Memphis. She received a record pay off.

The money came after a lot of hard work, training, as Johnson elevated her station in life. “We’ve had several graduates since this program was put in place, and handed over several escrow checks but this is the largest ever,” said Executive Director Timothy White.

White explained the significance of the event. The success displayed a five digit cash award will serve as a magnet to draw more section 8 and public housing residents to the self-sufficiency program.

“This is like a promotion for our program,” said White. “When other families already participating in our program see this kind of accomplishment, it brings them out.”

White presented Johnson a check for more than $20,000 and a certificate of completion from the West Memphis Housing Authority’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program.

Johnson indicated she had already done some house shopping and was eyeing a certain property in West Memphis. She found a house set up with part for a hair salon. She undertook formal training for hair cutting to improve her income. Income improvements are matched in the program escrow to encourage moving up a career path.

“I’m going to buy me a house,” said Johnson. “I always wanted to do hair styling. I finally went to hair school and completed.

It was a big thing to get my credit score solid. I work a lot of jobs to keep going.” Shelia Handy explained the program and asked for those in low income housing and interested in starting the road to self-sufficiency to contact her. Johnson is not the only success story this year. “We’ve given over $100,000 this year,” said Handy. “We’ve had seven individuals complete the program and three have purchased homes. It’s a five year program designed to assist individuals to become

economically self

sufficient.”

Handy walked through the program.

“We assist them to get to different supportive services to meet their needs,” said Handy. “When they come in we do an assessment and then an action plan and do a contract with them. It is a volunteer program.”

The big payoff at the end comes from the funds escrowed in the participants name. The money serves as a big incentive to take steps toward self sufficiency for five years. The program benefits tax payers as perpetual rent assistance ends with a success story.

“The incentive for the program is the escrow account,” said Handy.

“Whatever their rent is at the time they sign their contract of participation, say $100, once they start working and their income goes up, the rent goes up.

She came on paying $100 a month on section 8. The increased

rent amounts $300

or $400 a month is set aside in their matching escrow as they pay the landlord the increased rent.

Everybody is different, one person may complete the program in two or three years, other take the whole five.”

Those interested in participating in these HUD program may call Shelia Handy at (870) 735-3520 or stop by the housing authority office at 390 S.

Walker, West Memphis.

By John Rech