AGENDA - San Antonio Housing Authority

TRANSFORMATION PLANEASTSIDE CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD TRANSFORMATION PLANSAFETY AND SECURITY—BYRNECRIMINAL JUSTICE INNOVATIONPROGRAM (BCJI)The San Antonio Housing Authority, with theWheatley Choice Neighborhood as its focalpoint, applied for and received $600,000in Byrne safety funds from the Departmentof Justice. The project will begin withcomprehensive quantitative and qualitativedata analysis of perceived and real threatsto personal, community, and neighborhoodsafety. Interventions will be determinedbased on those findings, but preliminaryanalysis based on point data of criminalactivity and qualitative data from interviewsand focus groups indicates that difficult reentryfor the formerly incarcerated warrantsthe creation of a “Resource Center” that willoffer re-entry services, which was part of theproposal. In addition, environmental threatsto safety and security, including poor and/or deteriorated street lighting and frequentcode in-compliance, are already being cataloged,mapped, and analyzed to determinewhich jurisdictional authority is responsible.The build out of vacant lots and addressingdilapidated structures are included in strategiesthat will positively impact safety.Finally, the Eastside Promise Neighborhood,has also received funds in the form of aPublic Safety Enhancement grant that willgo toward establishing a concentrated policepresence around neighborhood schools inthe hours when children are arriving in themorning and leaving in the afternoon andevening.Choice families will be afforded a continualopportunity to provide input and be educatedaround staying safe.ROSSSAHA received a Resident Opportunities andSelf Sufficiency (ROSS) grant to fund servicecoordinator positions, to aide public housingresidents in finding jobs and achievingeconomic independence. While not providingcase management services, the ServiceCoordinators will work closely with FamilySelf Sufficiency staff at the Sutton Oaks andWheatley properties to provide referrals forjob training, education, life skills and otherbasic needs for all residents and neighborsof the Eastside Choice Neighborhood.JOBS-PLUSThrough partnership with the EastsidePromise Neighborhood and with fundingreceived from the Annie Casey Foundation—FamilyCentered Community ChangeProgram, SAHA will replicate the Jobs-Plusplace-based strategy on the Wheatley property.This site-based program will dedicatestaff to provide services to Wheatley residentsand avail themselves to residents andneighbors of the Eastside Choice Initiative.This model allows participants to receivetargeted comprehensive and high qualityservices tailored specifically to theirindividual needs. A pilot program is currentlyunderway with St. Philips CommunityCollege and the George Gervin YouthBuildCareer Cohort.FAMILY SELF SUFFICIENCY (FSS)Participating FSS families are required tosign a “Contract of Participation” with theSan Antonio Housing Authority, and have upto 5 years to complete the specific goals andobjectives of their “service plan”. Servicesinclude financial planning and budgeting,education and training, career counseling,interviewing and parenting skills, and othersupportive services necessary for personaland professional empowerment. Participantsare encouraged to complete goals within the5 year allotted timeframe, however, supportis available as members move progressivelyfrom one stage of independence to the next.This model contributes to planned sustainabilityfor the Eastside Choice Neighborhood.Further, SAHA will utilize financialincentives such as Escrow Earned Income.EASTSIDE PROMISENEIGHBORHOOD (EPN)The EPN Initiative seeks to move youth alonga pathway from cradle to career, ensuring40