The Self- Sufficiency Fund Program will provide training for employment opportunities to allow adults receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients and individuals at risk of becoming dependent on public assistance to achieve self-Sufficiency.

 

The program desires to:

· Develop projects that will create jobs in the workforce areas through collaboration

· Develop projects that at the completion of training will result in the attainment of an industry recognized certificate or credential for the participants in the training project in one of the following targeted areas:

 

• Construction

  • Certified Logistics Associate

  • Sheet Metal 1

  • Drywall

  • Painter 1

  • Craft Laborer

• Warehouse

  • Forklift Operator

• Welding

  • Welder Level 1

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Eligibility Criteria

· Living in Harris County at the time of enrollment

· Recipient and individuals at risk of becoming dependent on public assistance

· TANF recipients

· TANF eligible

· Earn less than $37,000 a year with a dependent

· Has a desire to better their situation

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Additional Support

· Financial literacy

· Job readiness workshop

· Dress for success / Career Gear interview attire

· Job placement

· Food For Change Scholarship

· Free admission to ALL Change Happens job fairs

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Employment Forecast

The construction, warehouse, and welding industry are experiencing a consistent annual growth, 26-30% will generate 420 new positions in Houston. Therefore, the certified participants will have opportunities of high-volume job prospects. A newly trained certified construction worker can earn from $19.30 to $30.36 per hour. With viable upward mobility to project management at $30 per hour. A certified warehouse employee can enter in on average of $15.61 an hour, which can increase with upper management training. According to Pay Scale Human Capital, a welder can enter into the Houston welding field at $19.31- per hour starting pay.