On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, HUD hosted a philanthropic roundtable at the Massachusetts State House in Boston. The roundtable, titled "Catalyzing Economic Stability and Mobility for HUD-Assisted Clients," had an objective of amplifying the importance of cross-sector collaboration to advance economic mobility for HUD assisted clients. Organized by Regional Administrator for HUD New England, Juana Mattias, it included Public Housing Authorities implementing economic mobility programs, as well as private, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors who are investing in economic mobility and supportive services.
Two of the Lowell Housing Authority's Resident Services team members were invited to participate in the event. Heather Brackett, Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Coordinator, kicked off the event sharing her path to economic empowerment through the FSS Program. Her transformative story from a public housing resident, to an FSS participant, to a homeowner, and ultimately an FSS Coordinator helping others, was an inspiration for all in attendance and provided a shining example of the power of cross-sector collaboration.
The first panel session, "Public Sector Approaches to Economic Mobility: Successes, Challenges and Transformational Opportunities," explored innovative public sector approaches for advancing workforce development, economic mobility, and homeownership opportunities for HUD assisted clients. Katie Sadlier, Director of Resident Services & Communications, shared insight on initiatives like FSS, Jobs Plus, Section 8 Homeownership, and other programs that are driving meaningful outcomes, and what additional steps could be taken to further enhance those efforts.
The roundtable concluded with conversations around exploring opportunities for increasing public and private investments to expand the reach and effectiveness of economic mobility programs. Discussions highlighted strategies to enhance collaboration among Public Housing Authorities, state and regional agencies, philanthropic organizations, and private sector partners. Under the direction of Executive Director, Tha Chhan, the Lowell Housing Authority has been actively devising its own economic mobility program, and the roundtable reinforced the commitment to bringing it to fruition.