Today, PCHA held the first of a series of Small Business Development Informational Workshops to conduct self-assessments and to share valuable information about the local business development centers such as the Pinellas County Economic Development Center and the City of St. Petersburg’s Business Assistance Center.  Both provide consulting and training designed to teach prospective and new entrepreneurs the basics of starting and successfully operating a business.

PCHA conducted a survey of all public housing and rental assistance participants and found that over 100 residents/participants expressed interest in entrepreneurship.  Business interests among those surveyed varied widely.  “Residents have some outstanding ideas regarding what type of business they want to own and operate” said Regina Booker, PCHA’s Director of Resident Services and Programs.  Ideas range from service businesses and temporary staffing agencies to owning and operating restaurants and retail establishments.

Residents of PCHA’s public housing communities and participants on PCHA’s Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance program who expressed interest through the survey were invited to attend today’s special sessions to learn more about how to get started.  “We’re excited to encourage entrepreneurship among our residents” said Debra Johnson, PCHA’s Executive Director.  Residents in attendance were also encouraged to enroll in PCHA’s Family Self-Sufficiency program to assist them in establishing career goals and in identifying and taking the steps needed to achieve their employment goals.

Just over a year ago, the Pinellas County Housing Authority (PCHA) looked at the growing need for housing assistance among youth aging out of foster care.  To address the need, PCHA’s Board of Commissioners established an admission preference for this special group of youth in the agency’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program.  The HCV program assists in making housing affordable.  Adding to the housing benefit, participating youth can take advantage of PCHA’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program.  “Case management and the coordination of existing services and resources for FSS participants helps provide participating youth the guidance they need as they go out on their own” said Regina Booker, PCHA’s Director of Resident Services and Programs.  FSS participants are provided assistance in establishing goals for education, training and employment, as well as in determining the steps necessary to achieve those goals, and in setting a timeline for their accomplishments.  A built in escrow account provision allows participants to save money as their incomes increase due to employment. On-going case management provides support and stability.  

“Our partnership with Eckerd Community Alternatives has enabled us to make housing affordable to a number of youth so far, and the FSS program is the perfect complement to their housing assistance” said PCHA’s Executive Director Debra Johnson.  Eckerd Community Alternatives is the lead agency for child welfare in Pinellas County and has developed an integrated and collaborative system of care that assures the safety, well-being, and permanency of children, while also strengthening families through front-end prevention programs and aftercare supports.

If you would like additional information on the program, please contact our HCV Department by calling 727-443-7684, ext. 3124.