Seven Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) across the country were awarded a total of $25 million in Housing Mobility-Related Services, according to an announcement from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This announcement is part of HUD's ongoing initiative to expand housing options for families with children.

The specific use of these funds has been detailed by the HUD. The money will go towards giving Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) families with children more housing choices in areas more prone to have reputable schools, parks, low crime rates and other dynamics, according to a HUD news release.

Secretary Marcia L. Fudge shares her thoughts on the value of this initiative. "Every parent knows the value of providing a safe and secure place for their child to call home. Stability at home helps promote their future success – in school and onwards," said Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. "As HUD works to expand affordable housing and ensure economic mobility is possible for all families, these Housing Mobility-Related Services awards will boost access to housing vouchers for families who need them the most."

Further information about the allocation of funding was provided in a recent press release from HUD. According to a HUD press release, the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has earmarked the funds for housing mobility-related services that will allow more PHAs to administer housing mobility programs. The hope is that it will grow the number of HCV families with children living in neighborhoods known to be vibrant and dynamic. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing Richard J. Monocchio was joined by the Housing Authority of Milwaukee County, a recipient, in making the announcement.

The benefits of the funds are not limited to housing alone, as explained by Richard J. Monocchio. "The impact of these funds is tangible – families can more easily move to neighborhoods of their choice and near more opportunity," said Monocchio. "Providing families additional support with their housing search can ultimately lead to better long-term outcomes in employment and education."

This initiative is rooted in HUD's broader commitment to improve the lives of children living in poverty. The initiative is founded on HUD's Community Choice Demonstration program, which relies on research that shows children raised in areas with lower poverty levels aids in helping children be academically successful and improves their chances of success while reducing their chances of living poverty as an adult, according to the HUD media release.