Section 3

Section 3 is a starting point to obtain job training, employment and contracting opportunities. From this integral foundation coupled with other resources comes the opportunity for economic advancement and self-sufficiency. • Federal, state and local programs • Advocacy groups • Community and faith-based organizations

Section 3 is a starting point to homeownership. Once a Section 3 resident has obtained employment or contracting opportunities they have begun the first step to self-sufficiency.

Section 3 residents are: • Public housing residents or • Persons who live in the area where a HUD-assisted project is located and who have a household income that falls below HUD’s income limits. Determining Income Levels • Low income is defined as 80% or below the median income of that area. • Very low income is defined as 50% or below the median income of that area.

 business that: • Is 51 percent or more owned by Section 3 residents; • Employs Section 3 residents for at least 30 percent of its full-time, permanent staff; or • Provides evidence of a commitment to subcontract to Section 3 business concerns, 25 percent or more of the dollar amount of the awarded contract.

Job training • Employment • Contracts

Recipients of HUD financial assistance will award the economic opportunities. They and their contractors and subcontractors are required to provide, to the greatest extent feasible, economic opportunities consistent with existing Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.

For training and employment: • Persons in public and assisted housing • Persons in the area where the HUD financial assistance is spent • Participants in HUD Youth building programs • Homeless persons For contracting: • Businesses that meet the definition of a Section 3 business concern

Businesses can recruit Section 3 residents in public housing developments and in the neighborhoods where the HUD assistance is being spent. Effective ways of informing residents about available training and job opportunities are: • Contacting resident organizations, local community development and employment agencies • Distributing flyers • Posting signs • Placing ads in local newspapers 3

Recipients are required, to the greatest extent feasible, to provide all types of employment opportunities to low and very low-income persons, including permanent employment and long-term jobs. Recipients and contractors are encouraged to have Section 3 residents make up at least 30 percent of their permanent, full-time staff. A Section 3 resident who has been employed for 3 years may no longer be counted towards meeting the 30 percent requirement. This encourages recipients to continue hiring Section 3 residents when employment opportunities are available.

There is a complaint process. Section 3 residents, businesses, or a representative for either may file a complaint if it seems a recipient is violating Section 3 requirements are being on a HUD-funded project.

Yes. HUD monitors the performance of contractors, reviews annual reports from recipients, and investigates complaints. HUD also examines employment and contract records for evidence that recipients are training and employing Section 3 residents and awarding contracts to Section 3 businesses.

You can file a written complaint with your local HUD Field Office using form HUD 958.