§1437z–6 Services for public and Indian housing residents

Summary

If Congress sets aside money in an appropriations law, the Secretary may give grants to public housing agencies (for their residents), to recipients under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act, or directly to resident-run groups and nonprofits. The money must pay for supportive services and programs that help public housing residents or residents of that Native American housing become more self-sufficient. Work paid for by the grants must happen on or near the housing property. Grantees can use funds for things like making space for services, hiring service coordinators or running programs for elderly or disabled residents, job-readiness help (education, training, tutoring, job search, childcare, transportation, health checks), business and job development (including small business start-ups, credit unions, and loan funds), resident management and participation, and other activities that boost economic self-sufficiency. The Secretary can award money by competition or formula, using factors such as the applicant’s ability to run the program, bring in other funds, and deliver high-quality services. Applicants must add at least 25 percent of the grant amount from other sources (other federal, state/local/tribal, private money, or in-kind). If enough qualified resident groups apply, at least 25 percent of the available funds must go directly to resident councils, resident organizations, or resident management corporations; if a resident group lacks needed expertise, the Secretary can require them to use a qualified administrator.