Jackson County Housing Authority Work Training Program

The Jackson County Housing Authority Work Training Program is geared to help our residents prepare themselves for employment by developing good employment habits while working in the program. The program is funded through our Capital Fund Program, and allows residents the opportunity to obtain some work related training and to build a work history for future employment. Emphasis is placed on being punctual when reporting to work, following direction and maintaining a good working relationship with other employees. This program also allows them to make a few dollars without the money being assessed against their rent. This can be done because the money used for their wages is considered training money. The residents in the program have assisted our Maintenance Department with apartment clean-up, painting and repair work.

The Housing Authority started this program in 1998 and each program usually runs for a ninety day period. The authority has been averaging two to three programs a year. There is a program being done presently which started on June 18, 2001. The existence of future programs will depend on the nature of funding that is received.

The Jackson County Housing Authority also has provided a computer training program for its residents. This program has been done in Murphysboro at our computer lab. This program is done through our Drug Elimination Grant and is done when funding is available. The authority is presently setting up a Resource Center with computers in Carbondale. We plan to teach computer classes out of that facility as well. The authority is presently involved in an Even Start Grant with Carbondale Community High School and Operation Rebound. This program will utilize the Carbondale facility for training classes.