CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) — The Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority has been picked for a national program.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Job Plus Initiative aims to develop locally-based, job-driven approaches to increase earning and advance employment outcomes.

These are accomplished through work readiness, employer linkages, job placement, education advancement technology schools, and financial literacy programs for people living in public housing.

Services offered through the initiative work on counseling, education and finances.

According to a release, CRHA has received a $1.6 million grant for fiscal year 2023-2024 Jobs Plus.

It is just one of 14 agencies across the country selected to receive funding this year.

The grant will go toward the Westhaven community, aiming to increase earnings and advance employment outcomes for its residents.

CRHA says the end goal of this type of program is to empower the residents of public housing so they can reach economic independence.

For more information on the program, click here.