The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has begun a new initiative called the EnVision Centers, which are designed to help HUD-assisted households achieve economic self-sufficiency.
HUD will launch 10 pilot EnVision Centers around the country, at locations on or near public housing developments. HUD stated the EnVision Centers will be “centralized hubs that serve as an incubator for the four key pillars of self-sufficiency, character and leadership, educational advancement, economic empowerment, and health and wellness,” and they will be coordinated in partnership with state and local government agencies, nonprofits, private sector corporations and faith-based organizations.
“While funding for HUD has increased over the last 20 years, the number of households served has remained the same,” said HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson, who first previewed the initiative during the Mortgage Banker Association’s annual convention in October. “We need to think differently about how we can empower Americans to climb the ladder of success. “EnVision Centers are designed to help people take the first few steps towards self-sufficiency. Every household we are able to help graduate from HUD-assistance allows HUD to help one more family in need.”
The first EnVision Center in the pilot program was announced in Detroit, and was greeted with enthusiasm by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. “By helping people get the training necessary to succeed in these fields, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is helping individuals earn a great future for themselves and their families while addressing a growing talent gap in the job market,” said Gov. Snyder.
