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Date:
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September 25, 2009
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Contact:
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Phone:
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(330) 315-3715
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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Housing program graduates receive savings
totaling over $22,000
2-year program helps residents rebuild lives and save for
the future
The Community Health Center (CHC) recently presented
four successful housing graduates with over $22,000 in total savings –
money saved during their two year stay in Project Hope, a two year
transitional housing program for those in recovery.
Project Hope is a unique rent subsidy program offered to homeless,
single individuals who are well established in a substance abuse treatment
program. Hope provides furnished apartments at twelve locations in Summit
County. All participants are charged rent (30% of income) and a portion
is saved in an individual savings account. Upon successful completion
of the two year program, residents are not only given the opportunity
to keep the apartment, but also receive a check for their total savings
with interest. “Our program graduates have successfully completed
a recovery program, furthered their education and secured employment,”
explained Jackie Hemsworth, program coordinator. “Hope gives our
residents just that…the opportunity to repair their lives and
believe they can hope for a better and brighter future.”
The latest group of graduates received varying amounts from
their individual savings, the highest being around $8,000 and the lowest
about $4,400. “We encourage the graduates to put the money to good
use, such as moving into a new home, purchasing their first car or paying
for education,” added Hemsworth.
Established in 2002, Project Hope is funded by the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development through the Summit County Continuum of
Care. Project Hope residents comply with a treatment plan and participate
in case management services. Since its inception, the program has celebrated
22 graduates.
For more information about this and other programs, please
call Community Health Center’s housing management partner, OMCDC
at 330-315-3718 or visit www.omcdc.org.
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