Glenda Gardner sits in her apartment at Emma Wheeler Homes.TO LEARN MORE
Public housing residents interested in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program may call 752-4813. Housing Choice Voucher program participants may call 752-4829.
Glenda Gardner is a 37-year-old single parent who grew up in public housing and has returned to live there again, but that’s not where she wants to stay.
“I want my own independence,” said the mother of two teenagers and one young adult. “Having a job brings something good within you. You’re able to take care of yourself, stand on your own and you don’t have to rely on public assistance any more.”
Gardner says she wants to participate in the Chattanooga Housing Authority‘s Family Self-Sufficiency Program. The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the agency $314,864 for the program this year, including $68,000 this month.
The program helps residents save money and encourages them to get off welfare and out of public housing, CHA officials said. This year’s funding is the highest for CHA in at least six years, housing officials said.