HUD DECLARES THE ROCKFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY AS A MOVE TO WORK (MTW) AGENCY

Media Release

For Immediate Release Please: February 4, 2022

Contact:  Laura Snyder, CEO, Rockford Housing Authority   815-489-8570

Rockford, Illinois

HUD DESIGNATES THE ROCKFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY AS A MOVE TO WORK (MTW) AGENCY

 A Milestone for The Rockford Housing Authority and the Rockford Community has been achieved today. “The RHA leadership Team is so pleased for the approval from HUD, that RHA has been designated as a Move to Work Agency. This important program designation will serve the residents and the community in a new way. With this new MTW business model we are able to provide incentives for our landlords to encourage them to participate in the HCV program thereby giving our resident’s greater access to areas of higher opportunities,” states Laura Snyder, RHA CEO.

RHA is committed to actively exploring and aggressively seizing opportunities that move the agency forward in the fulfillment of its mission and strategic goals in ways that are reflective of local housing needs, while implementing activities designed to meet one or more of the MTW statutory objectives.

The MTW designation, creates and accesses opportunities that continue to be key in meeting these milestones, whether it be implementing increased program efficiencies, leveraging resources to preserve/increase affordable housing or encouraging the improved well-being of the individuals and families that we serve.

RHA’s MTW Mission and Vision

The Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) was established in 1951 to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing to low and moderate-income individuals and families. While partnering with community agencies to promote increased self-sufficiency and a higher quality of life for its residents. Today, RHA manages 1284 public housing units and 1716 housing choice vouchers (HCV), serving nearly 10,000 residents in total.

RHA’s long-term vision for its participation in the MTW demonstration program integrates this local mission with the federal statutory objectives of the MTW program. The result is a carefully crafted list of local goals, which tailor the federal objectives to the specific needs of the Rockford community. 

1. Increase the number and quality of affordable housing choices throughout the Rockford community.
2. Increase the number of families moving toward self-sufficiency.
3. Increase and strengthen the number of community partnerships benefitting residents
4. Reduce the Agency’s administrative costs while limiting the administrative burdens placed on staff and residents.

“We are excited to see the future of RHA and the Rockford community through the MTW program. We cannot wait to start implementing the local goals that we have set in order to help residents and the community.” Laura Snyder, RHA CEO. 

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MEDIA RESOURCES:

About the Rockford Housing Authority

The Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) is a municipal corporation established under Chapter 67 1/2 of the Illinois statutes. It is governed by a Board of five (5) Commissioners. The Rockford Housing Authority has historically served the housing needs of persons whose income is low and very low in the City of Rockford through HUD funded public and Section 8 housing. RHA has provided “decent, safe, and sanitary” low-income public housing to Rockford’s citizens for decades.

Bridge Rockford Alliance, Inc. (BRaI), 501(C)(3) HUD recognized instrumentality of RHA, was established by resolution of the RHA Board of Commissioners on March 9, 2011. BRAI extends the services and opportunities of a public housing agency. Instrumentalities allow the housing authority to operate more as private organizations and expand opportunities for residents of affordable housing, housing developments and the related supporting activities i.e. health and human services. This broader reach provides BRAI the authority to seek out and enter into new business relationships as a means to support its mission.

The Rockford Housing Authority, alongside Bridge Rockford Alliance, is in transition from a provider of decent safe and sanitary housing to the leading provider of housing that meets a higher community vision.

For more information on the RHA Move To Work Program, please visit: https://rockfordha.org/about-us/