Wal-Mart awards BHA sufficiency grant

The Bloomington Housing Authority Family Self-Sufficiency Program will be able to continue funding some of its educational programs after a recent grant.
 
The Bloomington Wal-Mart presented the program with a $1,000 grant through its Local Community Contributions program.

The BHA operates 310 units of public housing in three communities throughout Bloomington.

The FSS in particular encourages participants to increase their earned income and become less dependent on government benefits through several education programs.
Participants sign a contract to set goals for the next five years, according to www.bhaindiana.net/public_housing.php.

FSS coordinator Sylvia Wendeln said she filled out a grant application for Wal-Mart last year to be eligible.

“It came at just the perfect time,” Wendeln said.

The grant was awarded to the BHA shortly after funds for educational workshops and transportation costs became depleted.

Federal funding supports some FSS programs, such as housing assistance and case management services. It does not support the training programs the grant will cover.

The grant will sustain FSS educational workshops, which help people file their taxes and promote higher education. Wendeln said this money would also allow the FSS to draw in better speakers for workshops.

Bus passes to transport potential workshop attendees will also be purchased with the grant.

Wal-Mart LCC grants are offered to businesses that fall into one of four categories: education, workforce development and economic opportunity, health and wellness and environmental sustainability, according to www.walmartstores.com.   

— Michela Tindera