City of Frederick

HOPE VI Update-  Focus on Supportive Services November 2004

 

The HOPE VI program has many laudable goals including improving the housing stock for low to moderate income residents, neighborhood revitalization, homeownership, deconcentration of poverty, intensive case management, and enhanced self-sufficiency.   One of the fundamental elements of HOPE VI is that residents at John Hanson and Taney, who are capable of working, will obtain the necessary supportive services  (employment & personal) to obtain employment and become self sufficient.

 

Supportive Services range from job training, GED assistance, certificate programs, and childcare and transportation assistance. 

 

Provided below is a progress report for the Supportive Services component of HOPE VI through November 12, 2004.

 

Supportive Services

 

·        Progress to Date- Over $1,205,221 of in-kind supportive services utilized by Hanson & Taney residents.

·        Total In-Kind Support- HOPE VI participants are anticipated to receive a total $10,049,983 of supportive services. 

·        Partner Highlight- The Maryland Cooperative Extension has been providing nutrition education and youth activities, including a new 4-H Club at the William O. Lee Jr. Computer Learning Center as a partner.             

·        Notable Partners- Goodwill Industries, Way Station, Families Plus, Interfaith Housing, Frederick Memorial Hospital, Frederick Community Action Agency, and Fort Detrick and the National Cancer Institute/National Institutes of Health.

·        Education- Over a dozen participants are taking classes at Frederick Community College.

·        Removing Barriers- Twenty-five families are receiving help with childcare through DSS or Head Start that enable the parent to work or seek additional training or education.

·        Getting Ready for Self-Suffiency- Eighty adults and children have taken advantage of no-cost health and counseling services through the Frederick County Health Department this year.

 

Employment

 

·        Results-   Twenty-three adult participants started working/new jobs this year.

·        New Careers- Participants have upgraded employment by upgrading their employment to CDL truck driver, Teacher's Aide, Legal Assistant and Customer Service Representative.

 

 

 

 

Homeownership

 

·     Homeownership Counseling- Fourteen Families have completed or are involved in homeownership and credit counseling, working toward the goal of owning a townhouse in one of the HOPE VI developments.

 

 

 Individualized Assistance

 

·        Personalized Attention-Every family has a case manager that works with them to set and achieve goals for work, school and community.

 

 

What’s Next??

John Hanson Demolition – HUD has given final environmental clearance for the removal of the John Hanson site.  Demolition will begin demolition in January 2005..