Supportive

Services & Programs

Overview

After housing is secured, the BHA offers resident programs to assist clients with educational, employment or personal goals. The programs are designed to coordinate community services and resources to best serve families in need.

Family Self-Sufficiency – Section 8

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program helps eligible individuals acquire the skills and experience they need to obtain work that pays a living wage and then offers a savings opportunity as earnings increase called an escrow account. The BHA works with various welfare agencies, schools, businesses and other local partners to help FSS participants access services including, but not limited to:

childcare
transportation
education and training
homeownership counseling

Families selected to receive a voucher or who currently receive assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program should discuss participation in the FSS program.

Step Up Program – RAD Housing

What does Self-Sufficiency mean to you? Owning your our own home? Owning a reliable form of transportation? Having an education? Having a career? Being able to afford enough food to feed your family? Having money to save for your or your child’s education?

When most people think of Affordable Housing, they think of it as a chance to get back on their feet or to provide a safe environment while trying to stabilize their future. For many, Affordable Housing is not the end goal, it is a stepping stone towards the goals they want to achieve.

The Step Up Program (previously ROSS program) at the Bloomington Housing Authority is designed to help residents obtain resources necessary to achieve self-sufficiency. Participation in the Step Up Program is entirely voluntary. Additionally, participants must reside in BHA owned affordable housing (Walnut Woods, Crestmont, and Reverend Butler). Barriers can prevent a person from becoming self-sufficient; Step Up is here to help you navigate through and around those barriers to reach your self-sufficiency goals. Every effort you make towards your goals brings you one step closer to being self-sufficient.

Now that you have safe and secure housing, let’s work together to secure your future! Look at all of the services Step Up can assist you with:

Searching for employment
Creating a resume
Preparing for a job interview
Resourcing interview appropriate clothing
Nutrition information
Finding affordable mental health services
Financial education
Parenting support
Finding appropriate services for individuals with disabilities
Finding appropriate services for seniors
Services for aging in place
Finding transportation
Finding free legal services
Enrolling in an adult education course
Applying for a community college or a university
Obtaining green cleaning supplies to keep your home clean
Resourcing affordable health services
Health insurance navigation referrals
Learning about community resources
And more!

Contact Leon Gordon at 812-339-3491 x 115 or email lgordon@blha.net to schedule an appointment today!

Resident Council

The purpose of the Bloomington Housing Authority Resident Council is:

To hold meetings in which the residents of Public Housing may discuss community concerns in Public Housing;
To enhance the benefits of living in Public Housing;
To provide an organization through which recreational, education, or social programs can be sponsored and such equipment can be obtained;
To provide a forum by which mutual concerns of the residents can be conveyed to the BHA; and
To promote and encourage resident involvement in the management of Public Housing.

Community meetings are held the third Wednesday of the month at 3:00 PM in the Community Building (1002 N Summit Street) across from the BHA main office.

Anyone interested in being active in the Resident Council or attending a regular meeting can contact Leon Gordon at 812-339-3491 Ext. 115.

Supportive Services & Programs