Today, Dr. Ben Carson, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced the launch of EnVision Centers, a new initiative designed to help HUD-assisted households achieve self-sufficiency.
Located on or near public housing developments, EnVision Centers will be centralized hubs that serve as an incubator for the four key pillars of self- sufficiency; character and leadership, educational advancement, economic empowerment, and health and wellness. Through results-driven partnerships with federal agencies, state and local governments, non-profits, faith-based organizations, corporations, public housing authorities, and housing finance agencies, EnVision Centers will leverage public-private resources for maximum community impact.
“While funding for HUD has increased over the last twenty years, the number of households served has remained the same. We need to think differently about how we can empower Americans to climb the ladder of success,” Secretary Carson said. “EnVision Centers are designed to help people take the first few steps towards self-sufficiency. Every household we are able to help graduate from HUD-assistance allows HUD to help one more family in need.”
As a part of the initiative, HUD will launch ten pilot EnVision Centers across the country. HUD is also launching a mobile app to help HUD-assisted households find local resources through the EnVision Center network, and issuing a notice in the Federal Register to get input from the public.
“We have made connecting hard-working Michiganders with high-demand, high-wage careers in the professional trades a priority and I appreciate that my federal partners are doing the same with EnVision Centers,” Michigan Governor Rick Snyder said. “By helping people get the training necessary to succeed in these fields, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is helping individuals earn a great future for themselves and their families while addressing a growing talent gap in the job market.”
To find out more about EnVision Centers please visit HUD.gov/EnVisionCenters.