By Terrance Thornton
Digital Free Press
Scottsdale City Council recently approved a Department of Housing and Urban Development meant to give local public housing authority a new financial lifeline.
At its May 3 regular meeting, Scottsdale City Council at City Hall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., approved Resolution No. 12454, which provides for formal acceptance of the family self sufficiency Grant in the amount of $80,136.
The unanimous approval during the local governing board’s consent agenda ultimately creating new dollars at the Scottsdale Housing Agency.
“The Family Self-Sufficiency program supports the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development’s strategic goal of increasing economic opportunity for HUD-assisted families,” said Greg Bestgen, Scottsdale human services manager, in his report to City Council.
“Self Sufficiency provides grants to public housing authorities such as the Scottsdale Housing Agency to support the salaries and training needs of FSS program coordinators who assist participating families receiving housing assistance through the housing choice voucher programs.”
The Scottsdale Housing Agency provides stable, quality affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families who live within municipal bounds. On an annual basis, Scottsdale Housing Agency serves more than 735 low-income families and individuals, while supporting healthy communities, city officials say.
The local housing voucher program is emboldened by the federal Fair Housing Act, which among other things, prohibits discrimination in housing because of race, color, national origin, religion, familial status, gender, and disability.
In his report to City Council, Mr. Bestgen outlines grant coordinates develop pathways for families and individuals to become self-sufficient.
“FSS Program Coordinators develop local strategies to connect participating families to public and private resources to increase their earned income and financial empowerment, reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance, and make progress toward economic independence and self-sufficiency,” he said in his report. “PHAs and each individual participating family execute a five-year contract that incorporates the responsibilities of each party, as well as a training and services plan to help the family become more self-sufficient.”
