From the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority's press release:
The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) and U.S. Congresswoman and Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Joyce Beatty (OH-03) announced today that a $1 million federal grant will support CMHA’s new Ready, Set, RISE initiative to help residents overcome the sudden decrease in public benefits that often accompany an increase in earnings – also known as the “benefits cliff” – a barrier that keeps many families living in poverty.
The Ready, Set, RISE program was among 15 projects and programs recommended for Congresswoman Beatty’s support and funded through a historic bipartisan federal omnibus appropriations package (H.R. 2617). The program was also endorsed by the Columbus Region Coalition (CRC), a group of local governments, members of the business community and other community stakeholders. The purpose of the coalition is to use its collective resources and advocate for strategic investment for the Columbus region.
“On behalf of CMHA and the residents and families we serve, we want to thank Congresswoman Beatty for her leadership and diligence in helping us secure federal funding that will jumpstart our new Ready, Set, RISE program,” said CMHA President and CEO Charles Hillman.
“One of the Central Ohio region’s most distinct assets is the spirit of teamwork and collaboration,” Hillman said.
“We epitomize the Columbus Way by working together with one voice for the region and partnering with Rep. Beatty and the Ohio Congressional delegation in advocating for strategic investments in our communities,” he said. “This year, that one voice has come together to promote powerful projects such as our Ready, Set, RISE program that will have a lasting impact on Central Ohio residents.”
Specifically, CMHA’s Ready, Set, RISE initiative will consist of programming and resources to help prevent what’s also commonly known as the “cliff effect.”
“This occurs when people are receiving benefits from the government, earn a raise, and then incur a substantial decrease in their benefits that outweighs their gains through employment. But at the same time, the challenge then becomes they are not making enough money to sustain themselves and their household,” Hillman said.
“By identifying, predicting, and addressing episodes of the benefits cliff, the Ready, Set, RISE initiative will minimize the negative financial impacts associated with residents’ journey to economic self-sufficiency,” he said.