By KRWG News
New Mexico – Eight public housing authorities in New Mexico will share more than $554,000 from the federal government to provide job training for low-income families.
The funds from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department will allow the housing authorities to work with welfare agencies, schools, businesses and other partners to help participants develop the skills and experience needed to obtain a job with a living wage.
Participants sign a contract that requires the head of household to get a job and the family can no longer receive welfare assistance at the end of a five-year term.
As the family's income rises, a portion is deposited in an interest-bearing escrow account. If the family fulfills its contract, it receives the escrow funds.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.