The Greenville Housing Authority (TGHA) announced that its participation in the federal Moving‑to‑Work (MTW) program has already helped over 500 low‑income families become financially independent. Launched in May, the MTW pilot pairs residents with Family Self‑Sufficiency (FSS) counselors who guide participants toward concrete goals such as starting a business, earning a higher‑paying job, or completing an education milestone.
Structured support and tangible rewards
Participants meet with a dedicated mentor who provides a phone number, resource list, and professional reference. As TGHA resident Felesha Henderson explains, “Lekia gave me her phone number, guidance resources and allowed me to use her as a professional reference. She’s held me accountable while I’ve been reaching my goals.” The program rewards progress at each step: Henderson earned $50 simply for attending her first meeting, $250 for maintaining good checking‑and‑saving balances, and $500 for completing the full curriculum.
From Uber driver to nonprofit leader
Henderson entered the program seeking financial stability, better credit, and a savings cushion. After completing the MTW curriculum, she transitioned from independent Uber contracting to a full‑time position at Pendleton Place, a nonprofit shelter for teens. “I work for Pendleton Place now. It’s a nonprofit shelter for teens. That’s where my heart is,” she said, noting that the same principles she learned are now being passed on to the shelter’s residents.
Program impact on the broader community
Since its inception, TGHA’s MTW effort has provided structured mentorship, financial education, and cash incentives that motivate participants to pursue higher‑earning careers. The program aligns with TGHA’s historic mission—dating back to its 1938 founding—to serve veterans and low‑income families by offering affordable housing and pathways out of dependency.
Local officials praised the initiative as a model of how federal resources can be leveraged to strengthen families and, by extension, the Greenville community. “When families achieve self‑sufficiency, they contribute to a stronger local economy and safer neighborhoods,” a TGHA spokesperson said.
Looking ahead
TGHA plans to expand the MTW program beyond its first year, aiming to reach more households and broaden the range of career‑training opportunities. The authority encourages residents to take advantage of the mentorship and incentive structure, emphasizing that the program’s success hinges on personal commitment and the supportive network TGHA provides.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
