Self-Sufficiency Programs

Section 8 Housing Assistance Program

The Section 8 Housing Assistance Program is a federally funded program that assists low-income families by subsidizing a portion of their monthly rent and providing a utility allowance. It offers direct payments to landlords and covers the difference between what the tenant can reasonably afford and the reasonable rental charges of the landlord. To qualify for the program, a family must meet the low-income guidelines set by HUD and rental units must meet Housing Quality Standards and local codes, and pass an inspection by the BMHA.

Section 3 Program

The Section 3 Program provides employment opportunities in the construction field with contractors working on housing authority properties. Participants will be expected to participate in a Job Readiness Workshop and 10-hour OSHA Construction, and pass a pre-employment drug test prior to being referred to contractors for employment.

Applicants must be 18 years or older, reside in Erie County, and meet the income limit guidelines.

Interested residents are encouraged to read the Section 3 Brochure, and take the Section 3 Ready-To-Work Survey. Links to each are provided in the list below.

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Family Self-Sufficiency Program

The FSS Program is a voluntary program designed to assist families in utilizing community resources such as education, job training, and supportive services in order to move toward self-sufficiency and economic independence. The FSS Program offers a financial incentive to all participating families through an escrow savings account established for you. When participants successfully complete the program, the escrow funds accumulated will be disbursed to FSS participants.

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Service Coordinator Program

This program works to promote the development of local strategies to coordinate the use of assistance under the program with public and private resources, for supportive services and empowerment activities. The goal of the Service Coordinator Program is to increase earned income, reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance, and make progress toward achieving economic independence and self-sufficiency.

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