Jackson County Housing Authority

Community Service and Self Sufficiency Policy

The Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 requires that all non-exempt public housing adult resident (18 or older) contribute eight (8) hours per month of community service (volunteer work) or participate in eight (8) hours of training, counseling, classes or other activities that help an individual toward self sufficiency and economic independence. This is a requirement of your Public Housing Lease.

            The community service and self-sufficiency requirement is intended to assist adult public housing residents in improving their own economic and social well-being and give these residents a greater stake in their communities. The community service and self-sufficiency requirement allows residents an opportunity to “give something back” to their communities and facilitates upward mobility.

            Jackson County Housing Authority is informing all residents that the Community Service and Self Sufficiency Policy is in effect as of August 1, 2003.

            This is a program in which all tenants must participate, or be officially exempted. The public housing tenants exempt from the community service and self-sufficiency requirement are who:

Are 62 years of age or older;

Have a disability that prevents him/her from being gainfully employed;

Are the caretaker of a disabled person;

Are working at least 20 hours per week; or

Are participating in a welfare to work program.

Effective 7/1/15 - receiving SNAP benefits

            The Housing authority will make the final determination as to whether or not a family member is exempt from the Community Service requirement.

            Please contact your Property Manager to find out what you will need to do to be in compliance with this requirement. Remember, a resident (18 or older) must work 8 hours per month, consisting of volunteer work or self-sufficiency programs.

            Community Service volunteer work includes, but is not limited to:

Work at a local institution including but not limited to: school, child care center, hospital, hospice, recreation center, senior center, adult day care center, homeless shelter, indigent feeding program, cooperative food bank, etc.;

Work with a non-profit organization that serves PHA residents or their children such as: Boys Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boys or Girls Clubs, 4-H program, Community Clean-up and Beautification programs, other Youth or senior organizations;

Work at the Authority to help improve physical conditions;

Work through resident organization to help other residents with problems, serving as an officer in a Resident organization, serving on the Resident Advisory Board; and Caring for the children of other residents so they may volunteer.

The Housing Authority will provide names and contacts of agencies that are willing to provide opportunities for residents, including the disabled to fulfill their community service obligations. The Authority will provide the family with exemption verification forms and Recording/Certification documentation forms and a copy of this policy at initial application and at lease execution.

            Residents may use the Authority’s Grievance Procedure if they disagree with the Authority’s determination.

[Logo: Jackson County Housing Authority, Serving Jackson County with1282 units of Housing. Carbondale, Murphysboro, Elkville, Grand Tower, Ava, DeSoto]  Community Service Exemption Certification Community Service Agreement Form Community Service Verification Form