Programs & Support
Building opportunity through resident-centered programs.
Resident Services connects youth, adults, seniors, and families with educational programs, enrichment activities, self-sufficiency support, and community resources.
Youth Programs
Educational and enrichment programs for youth residents.
After School
Partnership with Lowndes County Boys and Girls Club, which provides tutoring and mentoring to youth residents ages 6-17.
CHYESP
Columbus Housing Youth Enrichment Summer Program is held for 4 weeks during the summer and offers educational and recreational activities.
Girl Scouts
Character program that builds girls of confidence, character, and courage. Available for female residents ages 5-17. Meetings are twice a month.
Senior Programs
Active, engaged, and connected.
Senior programs provide educational workshops, site meetings, recreational activities, wellness opportunities, and community connection for older adult residents.
Adult Educational Workshops
Budgeting, money management, parenting, health, nutrition, household management, career advancement, and literacy.
Senior Day Camp
Educational classes, game day, recreational outings, and trips for residents age 55 and up.
Seniors on the Move
A vibrant resident service program designed to keep older adults active, engaged, and connected through educational, recreational, wellness, and social opportunities.
Walking groups, chair fitness, and wellness programs.
Financial literacy, cybersecurity, and educational classes.
Arts, crafts, cooking classes, and gardening.
Shopping trips, dining experiences, and events.
ROSS
Resident Opportunities & Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Program
The ROSS Program provides service coordination that links residents to community resources and supportive services that promote self-sufficiency, stability, and independent living.
Whether you are seeking employment, improving your financial situation, building new skills, or maintaining independent living, the ROSS Program is here to support you every step of the way.
Location
Columbus Housing Authority Shields Sims Center1515 4th Street South
Columbus, Mississippi
Contact
Jacklyn Weir, ROSS Coordinator
The Resident Opportunities & Self-Sufficiency Service Coordinator (ROSS) Program assists residents of public housing in identifying goals, overcoming barriers, and connecting with supportive services that promote independence and self-sufficiency.
ROSS serves as a link between residents and community resources, helping participants increase earned income, improve stability, and reduce reliance on public assistance. The program also supports elderly and disabled residents in maintaining independence and enhancing quality of life through appropriate services and supports.
At the core of the program is resident and community engagement.
The ROSS Program is operated through the Friendly City Resident Council of the Columbus Housing Authority (CHA), which provides oversight and support for program activities.
The purpose of the ROSS Program is to assist residents of public housing in achieving self-sufficiency by connecting them to supportive services and resources. The program supports individuals and families in setting and achieving personal, educational, and employment goals, increasing financial stability, and reducing reliance on public assistance.
ROSS also supports elderly and disabled residents in maintaining independence and improving quality of life through access to appropriate services and community resources.
The ROSS Program provides support to help residents build skills, increase independence, and connect with community resources. Services may include employment and career development, financial literacy, education and computer skills, health and wellness support, elderly and disabled services that promote independent living, homeownership readiness, and youth and family engagement.
Additional services and referrals are provided based on individual needs and available community resources.
The ROSS Program is strengthened through community partnerships and a Program Coordinating Committee composed of community professionals who provide collaboration, guidance, and support essential to program success
Supporting student success after school and during the summer.
Seasons of Success helps Columbus Housing Authority students build academic skills, confidence, and positive personal development through after school and summer programming.
Program Contact
21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant
Columbus Housing Authority’s Seasons of Success After School and Summer Programs have been selected by the Mississippi Department of Education, through the Office of Federal Programs, to receive funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant.
Seasons of Success is designed to assist students who are occupants of Columbus Housing Authority housing units in achieving grade-level learning proficiencies and other non-academic achievements.
The program provides resources, activities, and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to 100 Columbus Municipal School District students in grades 2 through 5.
The program also focuses on character education, Social and Emotional Learning, bullying prevention, and drug prevention.
What Home Means to Me Poster Contest
Since 2008, the contest has recognized children living in affordable housing who share what home means to them through art.
Poster Contest
Children sharing what home means to them.
The What Home Means to Me Poster Contest recognizes the amazing and meaningful art of children who live in affordable housing across the country.
Contest Overview
Each piece of art visually shares the child’s thoughts on what their home means to them. Every year, hundreds of children, ages 5-18, participate in the contest at the state and regional level.
Their heartfelt messages about their homes underscore the importance of the work that housers and community development professionals do.
The national contest is the culmination of numerous poster contests held by housing agencies, states, and regions across the United States. Three judges choose 12 winners from the regional entries to be featured in NAHRO’s “What Home Means to Me” calendar for the following year.
All national winners receive cash prizes. The grand prize winner, whose art is featured on the calendar cover, also receives an iPad and a trip to NAHRO’s Washington Conference.
How to Enter
For more information about the contest or how to enter, please contact the main office at 662-328-4236.
Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities and resources.
NAHRO Scholarships
View scholarship information from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials.
View Scholarships