Meridian Housing Authority residents will have additional resources to help them land on their feet as the MHA Board of Commissioners announced Monday the housing agency is a recipient of a $161,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The 2024 Family Self Sufficiency grant funds will be used to provide additional resources to help residents find jobs, access education and reach economic independence. MHA was one of 835 public housing agencies throughout the country to be awarded funding through the grant program.

In a news release announcing the award, Meridian Housing Authority announced the grant funding would be used to hire service coordinators to help residents find jobs and get connected with educational resources in the community.

HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge said the Family Self Sufficiency grants are an opportunity for HUD and local housing authorities to work together to help residents find stable employment and develop good financial management skills.

“Financial literacy, job training and education opportunities are some of the resources the FSS program connects HUD-assisted families to so that they have a chance to find employment and build assets,” Fudge said. “HUD remains committed to working with our local partners, such as the Meridian Housing Authority, in an effort to empower residents and promote economic opportunities for all citizens.”