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Federal Funds Available To Hire Coordinators For Employment Program

HUD

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded nearly $57 million in grants to help residents receiving assistance through theHousing Choice Voucher Programto gain access to employment opportunities.

Housing authorities in Winnebago County will use around $200,000 to take part in a federal self-sufficiency program. The money will be used for coordinators who work with area families to find job training, childcare, and transportation. Elgin's Housing Authority received $66,000.

According to a news release, participants sign a five-year contract that requires the head of the household to obtain employment and no longer receive welfare assistance at the end of the five-year term. The service coordinators retained or hired through these programs work directly with residents to connect them with local organizations that provide education and job training and placement opportunities.

Rockford Housing Authority - 2 positions

Winnebago County Housing Authority - 1 position

Housing Authority of Elgin - 1 position

Jenna Dooley has spent her professional career in public radio. She is a graduate of Northern Illinois University and the Public Affairs Reporting Program at the University of Illinois - Springfield. She returned to Northern Public Radio in DeKalb after several years hosting Morning Edition at WUIS-FM in Springfield. She is a former "Newsfinder of the Year" from the Illinois Associated Press and recipient of NIU's Donald R. Grubb Journalism Alumni Award. She is an active member of the Illinois News Broadcasters Association and an adjunct instructor at NIU.