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Human Services

The goal of the Human Services Department is to offer, in partnership with other committed agencies, support services that will empower, encourage, and provide opportunities for all residents to become self-sufficient. The department will achieve this goal through the implementation of a variety of programs and services.

Resident Services
Youth Scholarship Program - provides financial support to ten (10) students each year for college tuition and expenses. The program is sponsored by the MHA Executive Director.

RISE Foundation Goal Card Program - provides incentives to motivate and reward housing youth for academic achievement, good conduct, school attendance, and community service work.

Recognition Activities/Special Projects - provides opportunities to recognize individuals and developments for various achievements (housekeeping/yard, seniors, adult, youth, education/employment).

Partner Programs - community agencies that provide various services for public housing.

Special Projects - exists to assist Resident Presidents in the planning and implementation of new programs and "one-time" events on each development.

Memphis HOPE/Urban Strategies
HOPE VI Services for Residents

The HOPE VI Program provides a number of services for residents of College Park and Uptown. These services assist residents in becoming self-sufficient. The goal is to enable tenants to leave public assistance and public housing. The following services are available for residents:

  • Case Management
  • Employment and Training
  • Child Care
  • Transportation
  • After School Programs
  • Homeownership Counseling
  • Health Care Services

Elderly Services
The Elderly Services Department provides the following services for residents living in the High Rise Apartments:

MIFA Senior Companions provide peers to assist with planning meals and preparing food, light housekeeping, laundry, medication reminders, and errands within the building.

Homemakers provide assistance to help elderly/disabled residents maintain their home in a decent, safe, and sanitary manner.

Service Coordinators provide case management services to establish linkages with private service providers to insure individualized services. Referrals are made as needed to link residents to appropriate services. Service Coordinators also assist residents in building informal support networks with other residents, family and friends.

The Elderly Services Department also provides convenient access to health services through two mini-clinics located in the Jefferson Square and Barry Homes high rises. These clinics provide quality, accessible, confidential, and caring health care in a resident based health care center.

FSS
The FSS (Family Self-Sufficiency) Program is an initiative that assists Section 8 and public housing residents in becoming free of government assistance and making the dream of owning a home come true. With the increase of employment income, MHA will establish an escrow savings account for participants and deposit monies on a monthly basis. Upon successful completion of the FSS Program, participants may request the escrow monies in their accounts.

Section 8
Homeownership Assistance Program (SHAPE)
The SHAPE Program is designed to help you convert your Section 8 rental payment into mortgage assistance payments. The program will also help you to identify qualified mortgage lenders and to access down payment assistance programs. The mortgage subsidy can last for up to 15 years on a 30-year mortgage. Certain criteria must be met to qualify.

Resident Employment and Training Center (RETC)
The RETC is an information resource center for residents that are seeking employment or job skills training. The center offers career assessments/counseling, budget workshops, home ownership counseling, skill building resources, job search assistance, and resume writing, job application and interviewing tips. The center also makes referrals for vocational skills training, remedial, and basic education assistance. Specific program that can be accessed through the RETC include:

Section 3 Employment - encourages MHA contractors and subcontractors to provide economic opportunities for residents and includes job training, employment, and contracts.

Community Service
Community Service is defined as the "the performance of voluntary work or duties that are a public benefit, and that serve to improve the quality of life, enhance resident self-sufficiency, or increase resident self-responsibility in the community." Community service is NOT employment and may NOT include political activities. Every adult living in a public housing resident must perform eight hours of community service each month unless they meet exemption requirements.

RENNAISSANCE YOUTH CONNECTION PROGRAM
The Memphis Housing Authority (MHA) and the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of Greater Memphis are partnering to provide youth services called "The Renaissance Youth Connection" (RYC). The RYC will provide job skill training to youth between the ages of 18 and 21 who are out of school.

Classes Provided

  • Basic Carpentry
  • High Voltage Electrical
  • Low Voltage Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Computer Repair
  • Warehouse and Logistics
  • Nursing Assistant And More!!!

Students will receive 75 hours of technical training, with 25 hours of computer literacy training, and 20 hours of job readiness training. Total training will be 120 hours over 10 weeks.

Benefits and stipends are provided will be provided to participants based on attendance throughout the program.

  • Completing application
  • Taking the TABE Test, and
  • Submitting all required paperwork.

There are generous incentives provided for participants on a weekly basis.

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