Malden Ward 7 public housing families will benefit from new $126,978 federal HUD grant targeting financial stability and self-sufficiency

City and federal officials working to forge path for economic independence; Lisbon Street residents will benefit first

By Steve Freker

With the help of a new federal grant coming Malden’s way, a number of families in the Lisbon Street public housing units will be receiving resources to support efforts to help them achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency. The Boston office of the federal U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced this week over $128 million to 835 Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) and Project Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) owners for the 2023 Renewal and New Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program grants.

Specifically in Malden, a grant of $126,978 is going to the Lisbon Street Limited Partnership, which was established through the collaborative efforts of the office of Mayor Gary Christenson and staff, including the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, Ward 7 Councillor Chris Simonelli and the Malden federal delegation of U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark (D-5th Middlesex) and U.S. Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass).

“Many of my residents do live in public housing on Lisbon Street, Bowdoin Street and Newland Street and lots of our families face moderate to severe financial and social challenges,” Councillor Simonelli said.

“In collaboration with Mayor Christenson’s office and others, we have started and maintained some programs to address these challenges and this federal HUD grant is exactly what is needed to assist our Lisbon Street residents who need it the most,” Simonelli added.

In addition to the Lisbon Street program grant, a $252,000 existing grant addressing similar issues in citywide public housing was renewed for FY25, according to a HUD statement. According to HUD, this funding highlights the agency’s continued efforts to support families by providing financial resources to achieve economic independence. PHAs and PBRA owners in Massachusetts received $7.6 million altogether.

“Financial literacy, job training and educational opportunities are some of the resources the FSS program connects HUD-assisted families to so that they have the chance to find employment and build assets,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “HUD remains committed to working with our local partners to empower residents and promote economic justice for all Americans.”

“This funding will empower HUD’s housing partners … to collaborate directly with low-income residents, enabling them to enact positive transformations in their lives,” stated HUD New England Administrator Juana B. Matias.

“The Family Self-Sufficiency Program is instrumental in fostering individual success and cultivating sustainable, self-reliant lifestyles. It stands as a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to fostering economic mobility and ensuring that every American has the opportunity to pursue and realize their American Dreams.”

“We are very grateful for all of the work that has gone into securing this HUD funding for our Ward 7 public housing residents as well as those across the city of Malden,” Councillor Simonelli said, “especially the efforts of Mayor Christenson and his staff, Deb Burke and the OSPCD office, and our Congressional delegation.”

“Congresswoman Clark and Senator Markey continue to be very attentive to the needs of their Malden constituents who deserve access to ways to become financially secure and independent through the resources this grant will provide,” Councillor Simonelli said.

The FSS program is a voluntary initiative offered to families in HUD-assisted housing. Participants receive coaching and referrals to services and establish a family escrow savings account. FSS Program Coordinators provide coaching and develop local strategies to connect participating families with public and private resources. These resources aim to increase their earned income and financial empowerment, reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance and facilitate progress toward economic independence and self-sufficiency.

“Regardless of how much money one might make, where they live, whether or not they receive assistance, every person in this country deserves to have the sense of security for their families that comes with consistent saving,” said HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Richard Monocchio. “We are thrilled to offer the benefits of the FSS program to more participants than ever before.”

According to HUD officials, “Unequal access to savings, negative or invisible credit history, and low relative engagement in mainstream banking are national problems that especially impact renters and contribute to the racial wealth gap.

“This leaves renters with a minimal safety net to draw from in times of unemployment or unanticipated expenses such as car repair or medical emergencies. The FSS program helps to keep the unexpected from becoming larger financial problems through savings and support.”