Denver Housing Authority Receives $800,000 HUD Grant to Support Resident Programs

DENVER u2013 Thursday, June 6, 2024 u2013 The Denver Housing Authority (DHA) announced it received a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant of $800,000 to fund DHA Resident Programs. This grant is part of a $44 million national allocation to support programs to help people living in public housing or receiving rental assistance move toward economic independence. Acting HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman along with Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, and U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette made the announcement while visiting the DHA Westwood Opportunity Center in Denver.

u201cThis funding aims to bolster initiatives linking our residents with essential services including healthcare, employment prospects, financial literacy, and more,u201d remarked Joaquu00edn Cintru00f3n Vega, Chief Executive Officer. u201cThese funds help support people improving their conditions and thriving in life.u201d

The $800,000 awarded to DHA will provide three years of service coordination and staff who will work with over 700 families that currently live across six DHA properties. Specific grants were issued to the Walsh Manor Local Resident Council (LRC) in the amount of $267,450; Westridge Homes (LRC) in the amount of $263,430 and Westwood (LRC) in the amount of $263,430. The LRCu2019s will subcontract with DHA to provide service coordination at the sites. Service Coordinators provide critical services and case management to residents living in these communities, connecting individuals and families to healthcare, benefits, job opportunities, financial education, food, and more. The LRCs work alongside Service Coordinators to advocate for the community to ensure residentsu2019 needs are being met and opportunities for upward economic growth are being provided.

u201cWe are trying to make sure that first-generation homeowners, people whose parents or grandparents probably never had a house, are able to receive that American dream,u201d HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman said. u201cNothing makes it feel better than being here in Denver to help people realize those dreams, but also help the leadership help people along the way.u201d

Todman praised the Denver Housing Authority for its u201cextraordinary worku201d helping families not only access affordable housing but save money that can help them meet their future goals.