Rockford Housing Authority Awarded $1.5 Million Grant for YouthBuild Program

The Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a generous grant of $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for its YouthBuild program. This grant will enable RHA to continue its mission of empowering local youth and fostering community development.

The YouthBuild program, administered by the DOL’s Employment and Training Administration, focuses on addressing various challenges faced by low-income communities, including education, housing, employment, crime prevention, and leadership development. Through a comprehensive approach, YouthBuild engages out-of-school youth aged 16-24, providing them with an alternative education and employment pathway.

“We are incredibly honored and grateful to receive this significant grant from the U.S. Department of Labor,” said Laura Snyder, Chief Executive Officer of the Rockford Housing Authority. “This funding will allow us to expand the reach and impact of our YouthBuild program in Rockford, providing even more opportunities for young people in our community to achieve their highest goals and aspirations.”

 With this grant, RHA will partner with the local YouthBuild program and offer additional educational and vocational resources, expanding community outreach initiatives, and strengthening partnerships with local organizations.  The goal is to empower youth to obtain high school diplomas or GEDs, pursue post-secondary education or career-oriented employment, and take on leadership roles within their communities.

The flexibility of the YouthBuild model allows RHA to adapt the program to meet the specific needs of the Rockford community. By providing comprehensive support and fostering a positive learning environment, RHA aims to empower young people to build brighter futures for themselves and their families. “Through our program, we empower our youth to evolve into the best versions of themselves, equipped with essential education and skills vital for success in the workforce. Partnering with Rockford’s Comprehensive Community Solutions ensures our reach extends further, enriching programming and touching the lives of even more youth and young adults,” states, Odessa Walker, COO of RHA.

“We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances,” added Ms. Snyder. “This grant will enable us to further our mission of creating pathways to success for youth in Rockford.”

The Rockford Housing Authority extends its sincere gratitude to the U.S. Department of Labor for their support and investment in the future of Rockford’s youth.

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MEDIA RESOURCES:

For media inquiries or interview requests, please reach out to Angel Mackey at amackey@rockfordha.org or 815-489-8750.

About the Rockford Housing Authority

Our Mission

To continue to create strategic partnerships with community stakeholders, design a diverse housing portfolio, and leverage social service programming to unite and ensure residents are provided with safe and nurturing environments that lead to self-sufficiency, responsibility, and individual empowerment.

Our Vision

RHA provides pathways for people to enhance their quality of life through inclusive, affordable, and innovative housing initiatives while investing in the education, training, and personal development of our residents through strategic programming and partnerships while serving as a facilitator for neighborhood restoration by investing in our community and remaining committed to creating an atmosphere that promotes overall health, wellness, and economic growth, for a greater quality of life.

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. The Agency was established in 1951, and 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.