HUD gives money to Atlantic City, Pleasantville and Vineland for self-sufficiency program (Press of Atlantic City, NJ)

Press of Atlantic City
(1/10/2014 2:25 PM, Press of Atlantic City)

Three southern New Jersey municipalities received funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help residents gain access to education, job training and employment.

The department’s self-sufficiency program helps authorities to hire program coordinators to work with families.

Atlantic City Housing Authority and Urban Redevelopment Agency received $58,065, Pleasantville Housing Authority received 69,000 and the Housing Authority of the City of Vineland received 69,000.

The coordinator works with the participating families through a five-year contract.

The head of the household is required to obtain employment and no longer receive welfare assistance at the end of the five-year term, according to HUD.

As the family’s income rises, a portion of that increased income is deposited in an interest-bearing escrow account.

If the family successfully completes its FSS contract, the family receives the escrow funds that it can use for any purpose, including paying educational expenses, starting a business or paying debts.