NY1 24 Hour Local News Top Stories City Expands Job Training For Public Housing Residents

City Expands Job Training For Public Housing Residents

By: Dean Meminger

The economic crisis has a lot of people concerned about keeping their jobs, but there are plenty of people who say they had trouble finding a job even before the crisis started. NY1's Bronx reporter Dean Meminger filed the following report on how some public housing residents are getting a little help.

Building careers, that's what the city says it's trying to do by helping public housing residents land jobs and training opportunities.

Something employment seekers NY1 spoke with said they need.

"Well, I'm hoping to get some jobs since I've been laid off for the last four months," said Bronx resident Juan Garcia. "I hope they help me out."

"I need a job, more money, in order to pay my bills and keep going," said Cecilia Terpais, another Bronx resident.

So, these residents decided to stop in at the Housing Authority's newest resident employment services location at the Adams Houses in the Bronx. Before, Bronx residents would have to travel to one of the other sites in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Queens to get employment assistance.

Bronx counselors say a big part of their job will be to motivate people.

"Some of us need to enhance our skills, and we must remember to get the job," said career counselor, Amarilys Roman. "We must work to get the job. It takes a lot of work, and a lot of people don't want to go through the work to get the job, but it is very important."

Putting in the work means help with resume writing, vocational training and educational opportunities including courses in construction, healthcare, and food services. The services also offer computer, GED, and English classes.

"We contracted with the City College of New York to do the GED and computer training. So we have high-end teachers working with us," explained Sonia Torruella, director of Resident Employment Services.

This year, the Housing Authority says 266 public housing residents from around the city have landed jobs through employment services.

The Bronx career programs will not be cut because of the city's budget tightening. The Housing Authority says the site is federally funded for the next two years.

In another effort to help its residents, the Housing Authority is holding a citywide job fair on October 28th.

For more information on the fair or employment programs, call the Housing Authority at 718-250-5904 or go to www.nyc.gov/nycha.

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