A MESSAGE OF APOLOGY FROM SACRAMENTO HOUSING AND REDEVELOPENT AGENCY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LA SHELLE DOZIER REGARDING A FLYER PROMOTING A JOB OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM FOR PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS

Sacramento, CA – (RealEstateRama) — “In an attempt to inform residents in two of our public housing communities about an exciting job opportunities program that SHRA has created, we distributed approximately 480 flyers that contained wording we thought would be helpful to residents looking for employment. We couldn’t have been more wrong in our approach to communicate our message. Our flyer offended some residents who felt disrespected and stereotyped and we are sorry,” said SHRA Executive Director La Shelle Dozier.

“Not only do we want to set a high standard for our residents in order to be successful, but we also must demonstrate that same standard when we communicate with residents. We are taking this matter very seriously and have taken immediate steps to ensure that future communications with residents are more appropriate and effective.”

“I have spoken directly with the resident who brought her concerns to our attention and I have apologized. Next, we will work to develop a structure for engaging residents in participating in the process for effective two-way communications with Agency staff. We will also develop a set of guiding principles and a consistent procedure for approving communications that are distributed to our residents.”

The Housing Authority of the City of Sacramento was awarded a $2.7 million grant to administer the 4-year program with support from over 40 partners. The program will break down barriers to employment for residents at the Marina Vista and Alder Grove public housing communities by delivering, 1) Career exploration/job readiness workshops, 2) Coaching, assessments, individualized services and training plans; and on the job training programs, 3) Facilitated connections to education and apprenticeship opportunities, and 4) Financial literacy and technology training. The Jobs Plus Pilot Program will significantly enhance the Housing Authority’s workforce strategy to create pathways to self-sufficiency.

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CONTACT:
Angela Jones, Public Information Officer
(916) 440-1355, or (916) 919-3090
www.shra.org