For Immediate Release
March 6, 2006

Congressman Pitts Announces $397,000 HUD Grant for Lancaster Youth Program

Washington — U.S. Congressman Joe Pitts, along with Department of Housing and Urban Development Regional Director Guy L. Ciarrocchi, today announced a $397,000 grant for the Spanish American Civic Association to help 20 low-income young people return to school and begin new careers in the homebuilding trades.  This grant will help these young people graduate high school, train them for a future in the construction trades, and rehabilitate two homes in the City of Lancaster in the process.

“I’m glad to see this money go to such a wonderful program here in Lancaster,” Congressman Pitts said.  “By providing practical career training for our youth while helping to revitalize local homes, the Spanish American Civic Association is truly making a positive impact on its surrounding community.”

The grant is part of more than $58 million in funding awarded nationwide through HUD’s Youthbuild Program.

“These grants will help young people get a new start in life and open the door to their economic futures,” said Ciarrocchi.  “The benefits multiply as these young people learn high-demand job skills while producing affordable homes in their own communities.”

Young people who enroll in local Youthbuild programs lack high school diplomas and the job skills necessary to find meaningful employment.  The funding announced today will help young men and women, ages 16-to-24, receive their high school equivalency diplomas and provide them training in homebuilding skills that will qualify them for careers in the building industry.

Program participants will receive on-the-job training in the building trades and help build and renovate homes that are then sold at affordable prices to low- income persons as well as to homeless individuals and families.  In addition, this grant is anticipated to generate additional dollars from other public and private sources.

“We feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to develop a community alternative for out-of-school youth,” said SACA Executive Director Carlos Graupera.  “At a time when communities are having difficulties in meeting the needs of marginalized youth, Youthbuild offers a great alternative that can be used to help our students succeed in education, in employment, and in life."

SACA has been providing, social and housing services to Lancaster City and County residents for 31 years.  SACA also purchases and rehabilitates properties in the city.  SACA partners with the Lancaster County Career and Technology Center, which handles the vocational portion of the program.

HUD is the nation’s housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans, and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS.  The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation’s fair housing laws.  More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and www.espanol.hud.gov.

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