AKRON, Ohio – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development this week awarded nearly $79 million to about 700 public housing agencies across the country, including $349,899 to the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority.

The grants are through HUD’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which enables public housing authorities to help their residents increase their earning potential by partnering with social service agencies, community colleges, businesses and other organizations that provide education or training.

Brian Gage, executive director of the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, told cleveland.com Friday that he is excited about the investment.

“The grant award will perpetuate our employment and savings incentive program and allow us to link families to tools and skills in the community that allow them to gain financial independence,” Gage said.

Through the program, residents are coached by AMHA staff on topics such as financial literacy, job training and attaining degrees or certifications, Gage said.

HUD’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program allows AMHA to partner with organizations including Summit County Jobs and Family Services, the Ohio Means Jobs Center, Stark State College, and Akron’s Financial Empowerment Center. The authority also will be able to partner with HUD-approved homeownership counseling agencies, including the Pride Through Empowerment Foundation, Mustard Seed Development Corporation and East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation.

HUD also awarded $246,468 to the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority; $244,140 to the Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority; $119,097 to the Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority; $67,151 to the Geauga Metropolitan Housing Authority; $50,248 to the Parma Public Housing Authority; and $46,269 to the Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority. In total, Ohio housing agencies received $3.49 million in this round of grants.

“This investment will go to those in our community that need it the most,” said U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, whose district includes Youngstown, Warren, Akron and part of Portage County. “These funds will help lift up families in need through job training and employment counseling.”

In November, HUD awarded $484,580 to AMHA for housing vouchers for people with disabilities. In October, HUD announced a $5.6 million grant to Summit County and a $4.6 million grant to the city of Akron to address homes with lead hazards and other health concerns.

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