April Is Financial Literacy Month

April is National Financial Literacy Month, a time to take stock of your financial wellness and take advantage of available resources that can help you learn important skills to improve your finances.  

NYCHA’s Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainability (REES) Office is a one-stop resource shop that connects public housing and Section 8 residents to financial empowerment services. REES collaborates with partners throughout New York City to help participants achieve their financial goals, through guidance on reviewing credit reports for errors, re-building or establishing credit, learning how to reduce debt and budget, building emergency savings, taking steps to own a home or start a business, and more. 

“The foundation of NYCHA REES is to help residents increase their income and build assets by offering economic empowerment education, trainings, and resources,” said Audrey Washington, NYCHA REES Assistant Director for Financial Capability and Business Development. “Financial Literacy Month is a great time to highlight the events that REES offers all year long which can help NYCHA residents reach their personal financial goals.”  

REES’s website features a calendar of upcoming information sessions on various services and programs. For instance, the Financial Literacy & Integrity Program with Brooklyn Neighborhood Services is offering a nine-step workshop that will help residents create a healthy, empowering relationship with money starting on April 14. Or Section 8 residents can learn more about how to build savings through the Family Self-Sufficiency Program at an information session on April 28. To learn about additional REES information sessions and events, visit http://opportunitynycha.org/events/.  

You can also subscribe to the REES newsletter to get information via email on employment assistance, job training, adult education, financial counseling, and resident business development initiatives. Subscribe here, or call the REES hotline at 718-289-8100.