FAIRMONT — A local organization has received federal funding to assist low-income families in meeting their goals.
U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Shelley Moore?Capito, R-W.Va., announced more than $350,000 in funding would be distributed to agencies in West Virginia. The Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority received $30,186.
According to a press release, the funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program.
John Martys, executive director of the Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority, said the organization is involved in several programs. These programs include helping low-income families have homes, housing counseling services, rebuilding homes and more.
Martys said this funding will go toward the Family Self-Sufficiency Program.
“That program helps Section 8 residents who are employed obtain their economic-development goals, whether they be continued employment or higher education,” Martys said. “The program allows us to escrow money for them in a savings account held by us. Once they obtain their goals, we give them their savings account that they can use toward tuition, home ownership or other goals that they defined.”
Martys said the individuals in the program are in the program for no more than three years, with some receiving extensions of two years, to reach their goals.
“It’s a great benefit to them,” Martys said.
According to Martys, the funding will help supplement the staff to provide individuals with an assessment plan, regular counseling and support during their time in the program. Currently, about 20 people are in the program.
“It’s a good program that has been written into the Section 8 regulations,” Martys said. “That’s one of the end benefits of subsidized housing.
“Subsidized housing is not to be looked at as a permanent thing. It is assistance during a defined period of time during which people are trying to improve themselves, and we really see a lot of great benefits through this program.”
Manchin and Capito both spoke of the importance of these programs in West?Virginia.
“One of our core values as West Virginians is helping our neighbors who are struggling and in need (of) our support,” Manchin said in the press release. “We should help those in need to make sure they have the resources they need to get back on their feet, provide for their families and contribute to their communities. This funding will help West Virginians who have fallen on hard times acquire the skills and training they need to find jobs that provide a living wage and become financially independent.”
“A state filled with small towns and tight-knit communities, West Virginians often come together to help neighbors in need,” Capito said in the press release. “These funds will help West Virginia entities better assist families looking to achieve economic independence. By helping these individuals secure employment, this program has the ability to transform lives and help many West Virginians get back on a solid footing.”
Other agencies in the state to receive funding include: