Community Service & Self-Sufficiency Requirements:
The U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has established and implemented community service and self-sufficiency requirements. This act requires that every adult resident (eighteen years of age or older) who resides in Public Housing and HOPE VI participants, contribute eight (8) hours of community service each month, or participate in an economic self-sufficiency program unless exempted.
This requirement provides Public Housing residents opportunities to improve their own economic and social well being while providing service to their community.
Residents Exempt From The Community Service And Self-Sufficiency Requirements Are Those:
Age 62 years or older
Blind or disabled
Engaged in work activities, specified below:
Unsubsidized employment
Subsidized private sector employment
Subsidized public section employment
Work experience (including work associated with the refurbishing of publicly assisted housing)
On the job training
Job search and job readiness assistance
Community Service Program
Vocational educational training
Job skills training directly related to employment
Educational activities directly related to employment in the case of a participant who has not received a high school diploma or a certificate on high school equivalency
Full time student
Communicty Service Activities
The term community service is defined in 24 CFR Part 906.601 as 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.
The Following Examples Are Considered Community Service Activities:
Actively participating in a Community Voluntary Tenant Patrol
Participating in an anti-graffiti program by monitoring and eliminating graffiti in the housing community
Assisting in grounds maintenance and community beautification projects
Assisting with a literacy and self-esteem program in an after-school youth program
Assisting in a senior center providing elderly families with information on various services such as transportation, meals, etc.
Assisting in a homeless shelter kitchen
Volunteering at the food bank
Assisting with a youth program
Participating in a tutoring program
And others
Self-Sufficiency Activities
Any program designed to encourage, assist, train, or facilitate the economic independence of public housing residents or families.
The Following Are Examples Of Activities That Meet The Definition of Self-Sufficiency Programs:
Job training (such as basic office skills, resume writing, interview skills, dressing for success and office equipment usage)
Employment counseling
Work placement
Basic skills training
Education (such as secondary education)
English proficiency
Financial management or budgeting classes
Household management
Life style (such as health and wellness classes)
Apprenticeship or vocational training
Substance abuse treatment
Mental health treatment program