RESIDENT SELF SUFFICIENCY (RSS) PROGRAM
CHCDC provides a Resident Self Sufficiency Program to serve 749 households that are tenants in 52 different properties owned, operated and/or managed by CHCDC
- After school study and technology program. CHCDC provides access to computer and study facilities available at 6 CHCDC and affiliate affordable housing properties. 46 stations are available at these satellites for use daily by adults and youth. On site assistance is available for homework, job search, and personal overseas communication via e-mail and general informational searches. Assistants provide training in basic computer use. CHCDC is currently planning to open the Window to the World Community Technology Center located at CHCDC�s main office which will include public access family computer stations, computer training and assistance for those in need.
Food Pantry and Living Essentials Cooperation. CHCDC provides opportunities for residents to participate in a voluntary contribution-based cooperation for joint purchases of food and living essentials. Items identified through Food Bank and other donations are distributed to participating families on a monthly basis. Special items are offered during the holiday seasons. 35 families are consistently participating as a core group to attract additional members.
Gets to Work and Save Program. CHCDC CHANGE (City Heights Action for Neighbors to Get Employed) program conducts monthly workshops for Mid-City area residents to enhance their employability. The RSS program actively recruits from over 749 households owned/managed by CHCDC to participate in programs that introduce them to job and job training opportunities, provide job referrals and preparation including resume writing and job application assistance. Our one-on-one attention helps job seekers overcome cultural and language barriers to finding employment at living wage jobs. Annual job fair and "Career Corner", conducted at the International Village Celebration brings major San Diego employers into the community to recruit. A recent sub contract with San Diego Workforce Partnership enabled us to provide career training for 18 area residents.
Parent and Resident Advisory/Activity Councils and Resident Advisory Board. Parents are encouraged to participate in Parent and Resident Advisory and Activites councils that identify programs and projects related to increasing safety, security and recreational opportunities for families within their neighborhoods. A Resident Advisory Board (RAB) is supported by CHCDC to promote leadership training and provide input to neighborhood and property improvement initiatives including recreational and artistic projects involving youth and special workshops on proposed new developments (pictured above is workshop on the proposed Model Neighborhood Mixed Residential and Commercial Use Project).
Operational Assistance and referrals. In response to requests and referrals from property management, RSS staff assists in educating and informing residents with regard to operational issues such as clarifying rules and procedures, referrals to social services and other resources such as child care, transportation or health services and assisting in resolution of disputes. RSS staff works with management personnel and residents to produce information bulletins and a resident newsletter on regular bi-monthly to quarterly basis.
Financial literacy workshops are offered on a quarterly basis. Staff and invited community financial education partners work with resident households to identify how they can continue to reduce costs and increase income and manage their household budgets and grow their savings. FDIC Smart Money curriculum and use of other training materials enable our RSS staff to become on site financial educators.
"Youth Councils" involving over 40 youth have been created at 4 properties. These Councils conduct elections and implement their own projects and fundraising events and field trips to widen their horizons and civic involvement.