What employment or career opportunities do I have access to as a resident?

AMP Up Boston by EmPath (Economic Mobility Pathways)

EmPath is a Boston-based nonprofit which has helped tens of thousands of families move out of poverty.  Their unique programming model connects families with a variety of resources as well as a dedicated support team.  They are seeking families with at least one member who is legally allowed to work to participate in their AMP Up Boston program beginning in the summer of 2021.  Please call 617-259-2933 to learn more and enroll.  Please also join their Focus Group on Thursday, April 22 from 6-7:30 pm on Zoom to give your perspective on their outreach to BHA households and the program design.  Register ahead of time here and be entered to win a giftcard!

Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency Program (ROSS)

The Resident Opportunity & Self-Sufficiency Program is here to provide our BHA residents with the resources and opportunities to achieve economic self-sufficiency.  ROSS offers workshops and training events on financial literacy, career development, scholarship applications, and computer literacy among other topics.  

Interested residents should contact the Service Coordinator assigned to their development:

Alice Taylor and Barkley (Cathedral) Apartments – Yaendy Matos [phone] or [phone]
Mildred Hailey – Service Coordinator 
Franklin Field – Joseph Robinson at [phone] or [phone]

See our current opportunities and resources:

Community Closet
Your Money Your Goals Toolkit
Omni Boston Hotel
Alice Taylor Community Resources Guide(Spanish)
Franklin Field Community Resources Guide(Spanish)
Mildred Hailey Community Resources Guide(Spanish)

Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency Program

The Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) is designed to help families receiving rental assistance become self-supporting. This program is voluntary and open to all families living in BHA federal family public housing. The only requirements are a desire to become self-sufficient and a willingness to take the steps to make this happen. The FSS Program provides support and assistance to the entire family for up to five years.

How does the FSS Program work?

The head of household enters into a five-year contract with BHA. This contract identifies the employment goal of the participant and outlines the activities and services necessary to achieve this goal. The FSS Coordinator helps the family obtain the services listed in the plan. BHA establishes a savings account when the family increases its earned income.

When your rent goes up due to an increase in your earnings, the amount of the increase will be placed in a savings account for you and your family. You will receive all of the money in your account, plus interest, when the FSS contract is successfully completed.

To complete the program, you must be working and all family members must be off public assistance for at least the last 12 months of the five-year contract.

What services are provided?

The FSS Coordinator can help you find the services you need to become self-sufficient, such as

• Job Training

• Childcare

• Educational Programs, including GED classes

• Counseling – for example, Financial, Behavioral

• Case Management

• The Matched (Escrow) Savings Account & Financial Coaching

How can I join?

To find out more about the FSS Program, contact Laureen McCollin-Gopie, by email or [phone].

Career Family Opportunity Program

The Career Family Opportunity (CFO) program puts you in charge of creating your own path to economic independence. Work with a coach for up to five years to make a plan to achieve your own goals for yourself and your family.

Through the program, you will:

• Partner 1:1 with a mentor, up to five years
• Make a plan to achieve your own goals
• Support and encourage fellow CFOs
• Earn financial incentives
• Develop leadership skills
• End with $10,000 in matched savings

You may be eligible if you:

• Are head of household with permanent, subsidized housing (Section 8, etc.)
• Are a parent (18+ years) with children or legal dependents living with you
• Are a high school graduate or GED/HiSET recipient
• Are legally eligible to work in the U.S.
• Are willing and able to pursue a career that will pay family sustaining wages
• Have a household income that is 50% or less than the area median income

To apply to this FREE program call 617-817-0904 or email Sarah at [e-mail].

Mayor's Boston Tax Help Coalition

Led by the Mayor’s Office, the Boston Tax Help Coalition has been providing low- and moderate-income tax payers with FREE financial services since 2001. From January to April, the Coalition offers free tax preparation virtually. Year-round financial coaching programs are also available to promote economic empowerment to Boston residents. Visit the website for more information. For more information about the Financial Coaching Program, contact them at [phone] or [e-mail] 

How can I find the nearest Free Tax Preparation Site?

Call [phone], visit the website or view the flyer:  English, Spanish.