A quality home is the foundation
of society & community

A quality home is the foundation of society & community

Slide “The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.”—B.B. King Slide "The expert in anything was once a beginner." Slide “If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.”—Zig Ziglar Slide “The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.”—Herbert Spencer Slide “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” ―Sydney J. Harris

Welcome to the Rockford Housing Authority's Moving to Work (MTW) Designation

We are pleased to announce that the Rockford Housing Authority has been designated as an MTW agency, joining a select group of innovative housing authorities across the country. Through MTW, RHA has been granted the flexibility to implement creative solutions, break down barriers, and transform the way we provide housing assistance to our community.

What is MTW?

MTW is a federal demonstration designation authorized by Congress that empowers public housing authorities (PHAs) to think outside the box and try new strategies. It allows us to break free from traditional approaches and explore innovative ways to address local housing needs. As an MTW agency, the Rockford Housing Authority is at the forefront of pioneering new ideas and testing promising initiatives that have the potential to revolutionize the affordable housing landscape.

Our Commitment to Housing Choices and Self-Sufficiency

At RHA, our primary goal is to enhance housing choices and promote self-sufficiency for our residents. Through the MTW Designation, we are committed to reducing costs and achieving greater cost-effectiveness in our federal expenditures. We strive to give families the tools and resources they need to thrive by offering job training, educational opportunities, and access to supportive services. By equipping our residents with the skills for success, we are building a stronger community that is self-reliant and economically empowered.

Flexibility to Meet Local Needs

MTW provides RHA with unparalleled flexibility to tailor our programs and policies to the unique needs of our community. We understand that every neighborhood and every individual have different challenges and aspirations. With MTW, we have the freedom to design and implement innovative solutions that address these specific needs, maximizing the impact of our resources and ensuring that our programs are effective and responsive. By leveraging this flexibility, we can break down barriers to housing and create a more inclusive and equitable community.

Driving Policy Innovation

As an MTW Agency, RHA has the opportunity to influence national policy and shape the future of housing assistance. We are proud to have been at the forefront of several successful policy interventions that have improved the lives of our residents. Our innovative approaches, such as streamlined recertifications for those on fixed incomes and increased payment standards for persons with disabilities, have not only made a positive impact locally but have also been adopted by housing authorities across the country. By leading the way in policy innovation, we contribute to the collective knowledge of the affordable housing sector and drive positive change on a broader scale.

Our Impact on the Community

 We anticipate that the Rockford Housing Authority’s participation in the MTW Designation will yield remarkable results and positive outcomes for our residents and the broader community. Through our innovative initiatives and policies, we will witness firsthand the transformative power of affordable housing and the profound impact it can have on individuals and families.

Ready to Rent Certificate of Completion

Ready to Rent is a six-week tenant readiness course designed to help renters learn their rights and responsibilities in addition to helping those with rental barriers access housing. This innovative educational program is created with the assistance of landlords, housing providers, and curriculum specialists to give participants direction on the entire rental process and focuses on success for both landlords and tenants. In the class participants work closely with housing specialists and peers to earn a Ready-to-Rent Certificate of Completion which then makes a resident a “Certified Renter.”

Self-Sufficiency and Economic Empowerment

 We firmly believe in the potential of our residents to achieve self-sufficiency and economic empowerment. Through our MTW initiatives, we have developed comprehensive support programs that go beyond traditional housing assistance. We provide job training, educational resources, and vocational programs that equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to secure employment and achieve financial independence. By focusing on self-sufficiency, we are not only improving the lives of individuals and families but also strengthening the overall economic fabric of our community.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

 At the Rockford Housing Authority, we recognize that collaboration and community engagement are key to achieving our goals. Through our MTW Designation, we actively seek partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders to leverage resources, share expertise, and maximize the impact of our initiatives. We believe that by working together, we can create a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has access to quality, affordable housing and the support they need to thrive.

 

Measuring Success and Accountability

As an MTW Agency, we are committed to transparency, accountability, and measuring the success of our initiatives. We regularly evaluate the outcomes of our programs, collecting data and feedback to assess their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. We believe in sharing this information with our community, stakeholders, and partners to demonstrate the positive impact of our efforts and ensure that we are continuously learning and evolving.

Innovation at the Core

 At the Rockford Housing Authority, we embrace a spirit of innovation and forward-thinking to address the unique challenges faced by our community. Our participation in the MTW Designation has allowed us to break free from traditional constraints and explore creative solutions to improve the lives of our residents. Through this Designation, we will be able to implement groundbreaking initiatives that are transforming the landscape of affordable housing.

Empowering Residents

Empowerment lies at the heart of our MTW initiatives. We believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through our initiatives, we provide comprehensive support and resources to empower our residents on their journey to self-sufficiency. From educational workshops and vocational training to financial literacy programs and entrepreneurship opportunities, we equip our residents with the tools they need to succeed and thrive.

Community Collaboration

Creating lasting change requires collaboration and partnership. We actively engage with community organizations, local businesses, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to forge strong alliances that drive progress. Together, we work toward building a community where affordable housing is not only a basic necessity but a steppingstone toward a brighter future. By joining forces, we can amplify our impact and create sustainable solutions that benefit all.

Community Engagement

Engaging our community is at the heart of our MTW efforts. We actively seek input from residents, stakeholders, and community members to shape our Designation and its initiatives. Through community meetings, surveys, and focus groups, we gather valuable insights and feedback that help us tailor our services to meet the unique needs of our community. We believe that by working together, we can create a more inclusive and responsive housing system.  

Data-Driven Approach

To ensure the effectiveness of our programs and initiatives, we rely on a data-driven approach. We continuously collect and analyze data to assess the outcomes of our efforts, identify trends, and make informed decisions. This commitment to data allows us to adapt and refine our strategies, ensuring that we are delivering the most impactful solutions to our residents and community.

Celebrating Success Stories

Behind every statistic, there are individuals whose lives have been transformed by our MTW Designation. We will take pride in sharing the success stories of our residents who have overcome adversity, achieved their goals, and created a better future for themselves and their families. These stories will serve as inspiration and a testament to the power of affordable housing and the opportunities it brings.

Our Commitment to Accountability

At the Rockford Housing Authority, we understand the importance of accountability in delivering effective and efficient services to our community. As participants in the MTW Designation, we are committed to transparently reporting on our activities, outcomes, and impact. We adhere to rigorous reporting standards and continuously evaluate the effectiveness of our initiatives to ensure that we are making the greatest possible positive impact on the lives of our residents.

Measuring Success

Success is not measured solely by numbers but by the tangible difference we make in the lives of our residents. We use a comprehensive set of performance measures to evaluate the impact of our MTW Designation. These measures include key indicators such as increased housing choices, improved self-sufficiency outcomes, reduced costs, and enhanced community partnerships. By monitoring and analyzing these metrics, we can continuously improve and refine our strategies to better serve our community.

Innovation in Action

As an MTW Agency, we have the freedom to think outside the box and implement innovative strategies that address the unique challenges faced by our community. We continuously explore new approaches, pilot programs, and technological advancements to enhance the delivery of affordable housing services. Through our innovation initiatives, we aim to create scalable solutions that can be replicated and shared with other housing authorities across the country.

“A moment’s insight is sometimes worth a life’s experience.”

—Oliver Wendell Holmes

Making a Difference, Together

We believe that quality affordable housing is a fundamental right, and we are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of our residents. By joining forces with our community, partners, and stakeholders, we can create lasting change and improve access to safe, affordable, and quality housing. Together, we can build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Join Us in Building a Stronger Community

We invite you to explore our MTW page and learn more about the initiatives and Designations we are implementing to support our community. Stay updated on our progress, success stories, and upcoming events as we work together to create housing solutions that make a difference in the lives of our residents. Your support and engagement are vital to our success. Together, let’s shape a stronger future and build a community where everyone has access to safe, affordable, and quality housing.

The Move to Work Designation is a testament to our commitment to innovation, empowerment, and improving housing opportunities for all. Join us in this transformative journey as we continue to lead the way in creating a brighter and more prosperous future for our community.

Get Involved

We believe that creating positive change is a collective effort. There are numerous ways for individuals, businesses, and organizations partners to get involved and support our MTW initiatives. Whether through volunteer opportunities, donations, or partnerships, your contribution can make a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.

Stay Updated

Stay up to date with the latest news, events, and success stories from our MTW Designation by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on social media. By staying connected, you’ll be the first to know about upcoming opportunities to engage, volunteer, or contribute to our mission of creating a thriving community for all. 

Contact Us

Have questions about our MTW Designation or want to learn more about how you can support our initiative? Reach out to our dedicated team. We are here to provide information, guidance, and partnership opportunities. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of our residents and the future of our community.