JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Representatives with the Department of Housing and Urban Development presented the Jacksonville Housing Authority with a check Wednesday for $2.3 million. That money will go toward helping 330 local families in the workforce through the Jobs Plus Initiative Program, which helps support local families in many ways.
For example, the program provides employment-related services and other community support to lift burdens off local families as they work through training, education, and ultimately homeownership, better jobs, and self-sufficiency. Thanks to the Jobs Plus program, life has changed for the better for Lineshia Bryant and her three kids.
“I’d still be struggling, working at Amazon,” Bryant said. “Living paycheck to paycheck, just trying to find a way.”
Bryant is now a certified nursing assistant and is working toward transitioning out of public housing and into homeownership. Though she is now a CNA, she says she is also working to advance her career.
“It really helped me become the mom I am for my kids so I can provide a stable household for them,” Bryant said.
Latesha Jackson, the data specialist for the Jobs Plus Program, emphasizes that with proper support, families can stay focused. She also says encouragement goes a long way.
“Most residents need the boosting, somebody to believe in them that anything is possible,” Jackson said. “When you have those resources, you’re comfortable, you’re at ease. And then you can focus on the job, trying to go to school. But if your housing and shelter is in shambles, then your whole world is in shambles.”
The Jacksonville Housing Authority received this same grant back in 2020. Lineshia Bryant has advice for people like herself, striving to have a better life.
“Take advantage of the opportunity,” Bryant said. “And make public housing, HUD, a stepping stone.”
Jackson says counselors and case workers will get the word out about the program to people throughout the different properties around Jacksonville. To learn more about the program, click here.