HUD launches family self-sufficiency program at Jacksonville's Hollybrook Homes Apartments

A new program is helping neighbors work toward economic independence in the Lackawanna neighborhood.

The Family Self Sufficiency Program is the first of its kind under Section 8 housing in Florida.

Action News Jax reporter Courtney Cole shows us how it is empowering neighbors in low-income communities.

Avis Jackson has lived at Hollybrook Homes in Lackawanna for 18 years.

"I have experienced a lot of things here in Hollybrook but each day gets better and better."

Jackson told Action News Jax she believes the launch of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program could only improve the living environment.

The HUD program offers services to residents to help them become economically independent.

"What we’re trying to do is put a program in place through self-sufficiency that will allow each generation, new generations to have opportunities to excel and change their trajectory,” said Denise Cleveland-Leggett.

Cleveland-Leggett is the regional administrator of HUD Region 4, which includes the Southeast, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Residents who participate will be required to sign a five-month contract that requires the head of the household to get employment.

All family members also need to be free of public assistance for one year before the contract ends.

The goal for the program is to help residents become more self-sufficient and ultimately to move out and become homeowners.

Residents will also get help setting up an interest-bearing escrow account.

When the family's rent increases due to their higher income, deposits will be made to that account.

When they graduate from the program, they can use the escrow funds to build assets or maybe even put a down payment on their house!

Betty Wright, the manager of the Hollybrook Homes Community, says she hopes all of the residents seize this opportunity.

"A lot of people feel like they can’t. They’ve been down so long until they just don’t see a way out. So this hopefully is going to boost their morale and to do things they dream of and didn’t think they could do. "

For more information, visit hud.gov.

Cox Media Group