Resident Self Sufficiency (RSS) Program

CHCDC provides a Resident Self Sufficiency Program to serve 749 households that are tenants in 52 different properties owned, operated and/or managed by CHCDC. Services include

1. After school study and technology program. Computer and study facilities available at 7 CHCDC and affiliate affordable housing properties. 57 stations are available at these satellites for use daily by adults and youth. On site assistance is available for homework, e mail job search, communication, informational searches and training in basic computer use.
2. Food Pantry and Living Essentials Cooperation. Currently over 350 families participate in a voluntary contribution-based cooperation for joint purchases of food and living essentials. Items identified through Feeding America, SD Food Bank and other donations are distributed to participating families on a monthly basis. Special items are offered during the holiday seasons.
3. Gets to Work and Save Program. CHCDC CHANGE (City Heights Action for Neighbors to Get Employed) program provides non fee direct placement, work readiness and career counseling to 749 households owned/managed by CHCDC .One-on-one attention helps job seekers overcome cultural and language barriers to finding employment at living wage jobs.
4. Financial literacy workshops are offered on a quarterly basis. Staff and invited community financial education partners work with resident households to identify how they can continue to reduce costs and increase income and manage their household budgets and grow their savings. FDIC Smart Money curriculum and use of other training materials enable our RSS staff to become on site financial educators.
5. Parent and Resident Advisory/Activity Councils and Resident Advisory Board. CHCDC actively encourages participation in Parent and Resident Advisory councils to identify programs and projects related to increasing safety, security and recreational opportunities for families within their neighborhoods. A Resident Advisory Board (RAB) is supported by CHCDC to promote leadership training and provide input to neighborhood and property improvement initiatives including recreational and artistic projects involving youth and special workshops on proposed new developments. "Youth Councils" have been created at all properties. These Councils conduct elections and implement their own projects, fundraising events and field trips to widen their horizons and civic involvement.
6. Operational Assistance and referrals. In response to requests and referrals from property management, RSS staff assists in educating and informing residents with regard to operational issues such as clarifying rules and procedures, referrals to social services ( i.e. child care, emergency assistance, health care) and assists in resolution of disputes. RSS staff works with management personnel and residents to produce information bulletins and a resident newsletter on regular bi-monthly to quarterly basis.