For Immediate Release
Contact: Muriel Sutton
msutton@meridianhousing.net
(601) 482-5042
January 10, 2022
MERIDIAN HOUSING AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES “INTENT TO APPLY” for $1.5 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR HIGH-RISK MERIDIAN YOUTH
“US Department of Labor set to award $90 million in Youth Build Grants to support occupational and educational skills development for high school dropouts.”
WHEN:
A press conference will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 10:00a.m. the MHA’s Envision Center located at 804 42nd Avenue, Meridian, MS 39307 to update the community on the agency’s efforts to receive up to $1.5 million in funding to support local high-risk youth. (MHA will comply with CDC guidelines by wearing mask and social distancing during the presser.)
DETAILS:
Research shows that youth violence in communities across the nation is impacted tremendously by disadvantaged and high-risk youth between the ages of 16 to 24. Proven community intervention strategies include the provision of job training and youth employment opportunities both of which are fundamental to the Youth Build program.
The primary goal of the Meridian Youth Build program will be to provide construction skills training and provide a visible transformational experience for disadvantaged Meridian youth who rarely receive opportunities to see tangible and positive results for their efforts. The program will also provide educational and skills training preparation that will give each participant the requirements needed to enter and succeed in the local workforce.
Local stakeholders joining MHA’s efforts include: The City of Meridian, Meridian WIN Job Center, local faith-based organizations, Department of Human Services, Lauderdale County Youth Court, Boys and Girls Club, Mississippi Job Corps, Meridian Community College, Meridian Public School District, Mississippi State University and Greater Meridian Health Clinic just to name a few.
The Meridian Housing Authority will complete and submit its funding request on January 21, 2022, to the U.S. Department of Labor.
For more information regarding the programs at the Meridian Housing Authority visit: www.meridianhousing.net
