The Health Foundation provided over $3 million to the Worcester Housing Authority (WHA) to enable families to achieve economic self-sufficiency and transition out of public housing. WHA aimed to break the persistent cycle of poverty and public housing reliance and transform the lives of its residents with comprehensive wrap-around services that promote a strong and self-sufficient family unit. A Better Life (ABL) focused on helping residents overcome numerous roadblocks and increasing access to employment, educational opportunities, transportation, and physical and mental health care.

Advocacy efforts at the State level led to system changes that sustain and extend ABL and the program continues to be successful and has become a model for other housing authorities across the Commonwealth.

2011-2017

Total Granted:

$3,113,628

A Better Life Final Evaluation Report July 2017

News
◊ Baker-Polito Administration Awards $1 Million to Expand Economic Independence Programming to Three Housing Authorities
Press Release, March 21, 2019
◊ State’s A Better Life program expands to New Bedford
South Coast Today, March 22, 2019
◊ Tenant employment rate rises in Worcester housing projects
Worcester Telegram & Gazette, March 13, 2019
◊ Top HUD official salutes Worcester’s efforts to aid displaced Puerto Ricans
Worcester Telegram & Gazette, August 29, 2018
◊ State puts up $389k to expand WHA’s ‘Better Life’ program
Worcester Telegram & Gazette, September 18, 2017