HACA has 18 public and subsidized housing properties totaling 1,839 apartments throughout the city of Austin. Eligible applicants may choose where they would like to live. Residents pay about 30 percent of their monthly household income toward rent. Residents also have access to community development programs that provide assistance with education, job training, youth programs, health and wellness as well as many other programs. The goal is to help each resident maximize their potential and move back into the private rental market and off of assistance.
Need support to get connected to services including health and wellness, child care, education and training, transportation, and financial assistance? HACA can help!
The Resident Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Program is designed to help adults and youth living in public housing set and achieve goals related to economic self-sufficiency. The program is divided into sets of goals related to education, employment, financial management, parent leadership, homeownership, and youth leadership and development. The program is self-directed and self-paced.
Once a resident becomes a member, they work with a HACA specialist to personalize their goals and determine which local organizations can help make their goals a reality. As members complete various trainings and tasks and achieve goals, they become eligible for incentives from HACA or its partners. Qualifying members that are working or going to school can receive access to support services like child care, bus passes, and funds to pay for GED classes and testing to help ensure their success.
Candidates for ROSS are public housing residents that are interested in becoming more economically self-sufficient, but are not ready to make the five-year commitment of the Family Self-Sufficiency program. The ROSS program is a flexible and ideal step to prepare for the FSS program.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT, TUTORING, ENRICHMENT AND FUN
Helping children to develop dreams and goals at a young age is a key to future success and motivation. The Youth Educational Success (YES) Program exists to support children’s success in school, provide fun and enriching after-school and summer programs, and develop beneficial social, communication and problem-solving skills.
The youth of today are tomorrow’s leaders. HACA gives kids the tools they need to stay in school and grow into successful adults. The YES Program supports activities and programs to support children academically, socially and emotionally during school hours, after school and in the summer.
The YES Program is a vital component in the effort to break the poverty cycle, as over half of HACA residents are under age 18. Working with the community, HACA sponsors in-school case management services for students, after-school tutoring programs on site at HACA communities, an academic incentive program and higher education scholarship programs. Additionally, HACA’s YES Program coordinates with local providers of quality after-school enrichment programs to ensure youth are engaged in healthy, safe and meaningful activities during out of school time.
YES ACADEMIC INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Doing well in school has its rewards. And for HACA students, good grades and attendance are extra rewarding! Students who have made the A/B honor roll and/or have perfect attendance can earn a gift card each grading period, and those with these achievements throughout all periods have a chance to attend a fun year-end trip. Past incentive trips have included bowling, laser tag, miniature golf, and lunch at the Main Event Fun Center.
COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS
Communities In Schools (CIS) provides school-based case management to HACA youth who live at Rosewood, BTW, Chalmers, Santa Rita, Meadowbrook and Bouldin Oaks. Elementary school sites include Oak Springs, Zavala, Becker and Dawson; Middle school sites include Kealing and Fulmore; Travis is the only High School site. The in-school case management program focuses on academic progress, social and emotional support, crisis intervention, peer networks and family support.
THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Austin provide safe, positive places where children can build their futures as responsible and caring citizens. These clubs provide on-site, off-site, after-school, school break and summer activities for HACA youth. Programs include educational, cultural, risk-prevention, technology and recreational activities. HACA’s Thurmond Heights, Chalmers Courts and Meadowbrook clubs serve HACA youth ages 6-17, with approximately 400 youth participating annually across these three property-based clubs and the community-based East Austin club adjacent to Booker T. Wasington. Clubs are open Monday – Friday, 3pm – 8pm and at 10am during the summer. The Boys and Girls Club is the positive place for kids!
CREATIVE ACTION PROJECT
Creative Action provides afterschool and Saturday arts programming at Santa Rita through a grant provided by the City of Austin to serve the Holly Street neighborhood. Youth ages 6-13 engage in arts activities while working individually and cooperatively on social and emotional skills with the guidance of skilled teaching artists. Summer camps are provided at two to three HACA properties, and spring break and weekend activities are scheduled to begin in 2017 at additional locations.
SCOUTS
Girl Scouts is the opportunity of a lifetime for all girls ages 7-11. The mission of Girl Scouts is to build young women with courage, confidence and character who are prepared to meet real-world challenges and make the world a better place. Girl Scouts of Central Texas serves HACA youth from Georgian Manor, Santa Rita, Shadowbend, Manchaca Village, Booker T. Washington, and Northgate properties. The program currently meets three times per week and serves more than 80 young women.
The Boys Scouts of America provide an educational program for boys and young men to build character, train in the responsibilities of participatory citizenship and leadership, and to develop personal fitness. The Boy Scouts currently meet at Georgian Manor and Booker T. Washington.
PARENTING CLASSES
Parenting classes are provided by Any Baby Can and are offered at Booker T. Washington, Bouldin Oaks, Georgian Manor, Santa Rita, Chalmers Courts, Rosewood, Meadowbrook, and Thurmond Heights. Classes focus on issues including communication and active listening, expressing emotions, limit setting, encouraging independence, choosing appropriate methods of discipline and media influence. Classes include a family development component that includes time set aside so that parents and children can discuss and practice new skills together.
SMARTKIDS TUTORING PROGRAM
CIS SmartKids provides afterschool tutoring and enrichment activities at four HACA sites: BTW and Santa Rita (also serving Chalmers youth) – each four times per week; and Meadowbrook and Bouldin Oaks – each twice per week. SmartKids, complements the CIS in-school Case Management program, with approximately 75% of participants attending both.
COMPASS TO COLLEGE
CIS staff at Travis and Eastside Memorial High Schools assists HACA high school students with career exploration, college tours, testing, financial aid applications and scholarship applications through Compass to College. The program was recognized with an Award of Excellence at the National NAHRO conference in October 2015.
MAINSPRING SCHOOLS
HACA, in collaboration with Child Inc. and Mainspring Schools, maintains an Early Head Start program at Meadowbrook. In early 2016, the former Meadowbrook management office was renovated and transformed into a high-quality early childhood education center for infant to 3-year-old children of HACA and community residents. Child Inc. administers the federal Head Start grant, Mainspring Schools provides quality teachers and curriculum, and HACA provides the building at Meadowbrook at no cost.
PLAY TO LEARN
Play To Learn is an alternative to cost-prohibitive early childhood education and preschool programs, which coaches parents to foster school readiness at home. Parents and their young children attend classes and learn together from a qualified early learning coach through the use of a Samsung Galaxy tablet pre-loaded with age-appropriate and educational applications for children, as well as bookmarked websites and parenting videos for parents. Families that participate in the 10-week program and attend 80% or more of the classes earn a tablet at the end of the program.
LATINITAS
Latinitas is dedicated to empowering Latina youth through use of media and technology. As part of the Austin Pathways Digital Inclusion program, Latinitas is providing monthly digital media and technology workshops for families at Meadowbrook, Bouldin, Shadowbend and Manchaca Village. “Girls Leading Girls through Tech” engaged 7th – 12th grade girls in video gaming, animation, 3-D storytelling and creating “apps,” with a final field trip to participate in a showcase at SXSW Interactive. Girls who complete 80% of the classes are eligible to earn a tablet.
FIND A JOB, GET A JOB, KEEP A JOB
HACA partners with several key organizations to provide training, education and job readiness, search and placement assistance. Each program is free to residents, and many are located in property community rooms for convenient access. HACA also provides bus passes and childcare reimbursement for qualified residents, to support their pursuit of education and training.
Many workforce development programs are conveniently located in HACA community rooms. HACA also provides bus passes and child care reimbursement for qualified residents, to support their pursuit of education and training. For more information, contact the on-site Resident Opportunities Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Specialist, Jobs Plus Career Coach, or your Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Coordinator.
HACA has two programs described below that provide financial assistance for childcare for qualified public housing residents. Participants must be enrolled in a self-sufficiency program and working or actively seeking employment, attending school or a job training program, or a combination of both. Both childcare programs are time-limited and have a cap on the amount of financial assistance that will be provided.
CHILDCARE VOUCHER PROGRAM: The Childcare Voucher Program provides monthly payments directly to a licensed childcare provider for the children of residents working or attending training thirty or more hours a week. Invoices and attendance logs are provided to HACA and the provider is paid directly. Residents that need ongoing childcare assistance are encouraged to apply for ongoing subsidy through the state funded Childcare Management System (CCMS) operated through Workforce Solutions.
CHILDCARE REIMBURSEMENT: The Self Arranged Childcare Reimbursement (SACR) program assists residents who are working or attending school less than 30 hours per week. Residents identify a family member, trusted neighbor or friend who is able to provide care for their children while the resident is working or going to school. The resident sets up their own payment system with the childcare provider. HACA then provides a pro-rated reimbursement for each day that care is provided. Contact your Resident Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Specialist, your Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Coordinator, or a Jobs Plus Career Coach for more information.
HACA currently contracts with Goodwill for two full-time Career Navigators who maintain office hours at the Job Source Center at Rosewood, as well as at Meadowbrook and Georgian Manor Apartments. Goodwill provides job readiness training, soft skills training, case management, life skills training, job search assistance, job placement and job retention services. Goodwill also offers access to rapid career employment training in high demand industries, and access to temporary, temp to permanent, and permanent jobs through its staffing agency.
For information, call your Resident Opportunities Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Specialist, a Jobs Plus Career Coach, or your Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Coordinator. You may also call Goodwill at (512) 480-0772, (512) 474-2681 or (512) 476-4761.
The Literacy Coalition’s Learning Center provides workplace competency classes designed to help participants gain foundational workplace skills for entry or re-entry into the workforce. The center also offers supportive and self-paced Adult Basic Education and GED preparation classes . Orientations are 5:30 p.m. every Thursday, and morning and evening classes are available. The Learning Center is located at 1640-B East 2nd St., Suite 100. For information, contact your Resident Opportunities Self-Sufficiency Specialist (ROSS), a Jobs Plus Career Coach, or your Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Coordinator . You may also call the Learning Center at (512) 326-8655.
Austin Community College (ACC) offers Adult Basic Education, GED preparation and ESL classes. For information, contact your Resident Opportunities Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Specialist, a Jobs Plus Career Coach, or a Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Coordinator. You may also contact the ACC Adult Education office at (512) 223-7532. Registration is handled at each site, and walk-ins are welcome.
Skillpoint Alliance provides industry-specific job skills and computer skills training to prepare residents for successful careers. Program offerings include certification programs that provide residents with the skill needed for entry-level employment in the health care, manufacturing and the construction industries. For more information, contact your Resident Opportunities for Self Sufficiency (ROSS) Specialist, a Jobs Plus Career Coach, or your Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Coordinator . You may also call Skillpoint Alliance at (512) 323-6773.
Austin Area Urban League (AAUL) provides job readiness and Essential Office Skills (EOS) training, case management, Pathways to a Career training, and job search and placement assistance, under HACA’s Workforce Continuum. They may also offer internship opportunities to residents in training, when appropriate. AAUL has office hours at Meadowbrook, BTW and Georgian Manor, and also provides services at their offices at 8011 Cameron Road. For more information, call (512) 478-7176.
BEACON Workforce Development provides career assessment, case management, job readiness and employment placement for adults under the HACA Workforce Continuum. These direct and supportive services help HACA residents remove barriers to employment and achieve job success. BEACON has particular expertise in helping those who are judicially involved or have a criminal history. Beacon Workforce has office hours at Meadowbrook, BTW and Georgian Manor, and also provides services at their offices at 6633 U.S. 290 East. For more information, call (512) 428-4480.
Located in Eastland Plaza, 1144 Airport Blvd., the Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) is a hub of innovation for both new and seasoned entrepreneurs. The resource center was formed to support residents and community members interested in starting a business. EGBI provides participants with the training, skills and resources to own and operate a new business and grow a successful business. EGBI provides office space, materials, computers, and classes in business management. EGBI also offers access to micro-lenders for small business loans. For more information, call (512) 928-2594.
HEALTH, WELLNESS AND SOCIAL EVENTS
Our city’s low-income seniors and persons with disabilities deserve an accessible and supportive environment to age in place and thrive. HACA dedicates four of its 18 developments to housing seniors and individuals with disabilities, and provides wrap-around programming to support residents’ unique needs. Moreover, all 18 of HACA’s communities house older adults and disabled individuals who are connected to supportive services through ROSS and Resident Wellness Specialists. HACA partners with local community organizations to develop programs to make life a little easier.
SENIOR MAYFEST
Celebrated during Older American’s month, HACA Mayfest is an opportunity for seniors and persons with disabilities from all of HACA’s properties to come together for entertainment, camaraderie, health and wellness information and food. Organizations that provide services to seniors and individuals with disabilities are invited to set up booths and provide information, demonstrations and give-aways. Each Mayfest has a theme and residents are encouraged to get into the spirit of the celebration. To find out more about this year’s Mayfest, talk to your Property Manager.
ELDERS LIVING WELL! PROGRAM
The Elders Living Well! program, in partnership with Family Eldercare, promotes a community in which older adults are active and engaged and the barriers to aging in place are proactively addressed. The program provides needs assessment, service coordination, case management, educational seminars, benefits counseling, volunteer opportunities as well as recreation and socialization activities at each of the four properties specifically dedicated to seniors and persons with disabilities. Recreation and enrichment activities include the following:
BADGERDOG WRITING CLASSES: Badgerdog offers eight-week creative writing workshops for HACA’s seniors and individuals with disabilities, at HACA’s elderly/disabled designated properties. Classes may focus on a variety of literary genres, or just on fiction, poetry, or nonfiction. Workshops typically meet weekly for 90-minutes one time per week. Participants’ work is published at the end of each session in a chapbook, and each workshop concludes with an on-site reading open to family and friends.
MOBILE ART PROGRAM: The Mobile Art Program delivers art activities to seniors and adults with disabilities that focus on how art may be used as a coping mechanism and emotional outlet. Art becomes the vehicle for expression, developing relationships, and understanding experiences. Art is also used to help build self-esteem, social networks and and increase participant’s cognitive skills – leading to increased overall health.
WEVIVA
WeViva provides affordable and accessible fitness and nutrition programs to people in low-income communities throughout Austin. Classes are provided for free and on-site to participants at partner organizations that value and prioritize their residents’ health. All group fitness are free to participants and are bilingual. WeViva provides modified strength training and chair exercise to HACA seniors and persons with disabilities. WeViva aims to remove barriers that people face when making the decision to prioritize their wellness.
MORE SENIOR/DISABLED RESOURCES
Medicare Enrollment/Eligibility and Requests for the Medicare Handbook Social Security Administration National Toll- Free Hotline 1-800-772-1213; 1-800-325-0778 TDD
MEDICARE PART B COVERAGE OR CLAIMS AND REQUESTS FOR LISTS OF MEDICARE PROVIDERS
Participating Providers Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Inc., Dallas 1-800-442-2620
MEDICAID COVERAGE OR SPECIFIC MEDICAID CLAIMS
Local Department of Human Services or National Heritage Insurance Company, Austin 1-800-252-8263
STATEWIDE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO SENIOR CITIZENS AND WHERE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL BENEFITS COUNSELOR
Texas Department on Aging Information and Referral Hotline, Austin 1-800-252-9240
NURSING HOMES
Texas Department of Human Services/Bureau of Long Term Care, Austin 1-800-458-9858
HOSPITALS AND HOME HEALTH CARE AGENCIES
Texas Department of Health, Austin 1-800-228-1570
LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION OF DOCTORS, COMPLAINTS ABOUT CARE PROVIDED IN A DOCTOR’S OFFICE
Texas Board of Medical Examiners, Austin 1-800-201-9353
INSURANCE COMPANIES, MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE POLICIES, AND REQUESTS FOR THE RATE GUIDE
Texas Department of Insurance, Austin 1-800-252-3439
THE TOOLS AND SUPPORT YOU NEED TO GET AHEAD
Each person has a unique life story; HACA is here to help families write their own happy endings. The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program was established in 1993 to empower residents through support and connection to community resources that can help them become free of public assistance. Nearing its 25 th anniversary, HACA has helped hundreds of FSS members to achieve economic self-sufficiency.
HACA’s rental assistance can serve as a springboard that enables families to focus on their lifelong educational, financial, and career goals. The FSS Program is a voluntary program that assists HACA residents and Housing Choice Voucher participants in achieving the ultimate goal of employment in their career field.
FSS Coordinators work with members to create a five-year plan. These steps may include education, job training, job readiness, financial management, and preparing for homeownership.
FSS Program participants are connected to the following services:
GROW SAVINGS THROUGH FSS
As an FSS participant’s rent increases, due to earning higher wages, a portion of the increased rent payment is credited monthly to an escrow account, that they will receive upon graduation.
The agency honors the FSS graduates’ achievements each year during the Family Self-Sufficiency and Homeownership graduation ceremony. The goals and accomplishments of each FSS member are announced and acknowledgement is given to their future career, homeownership and educational aspirations.
Ready to get started on your future? The Family Self-Sufficiency program can help you map out a path to a better future for you and your family.
Interested? Contact an FSS Coordinator or fill out an FSS interest form at the Central Office or your Property Manager’s Office, and contact a member of the FSS team:
PUBLIC HOUSING COORDINATORS
HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER COORDINATORS
