Comprehensive Grants Management

Congratulations to Gateway Community Development Corporation CEO Ms. Alpresteon Billings and the Gateway CDC Team, including Board member Curtis Strong, Shanitra Finley, and Dawn Dodd, for their $1.5 million YouthBuild grant award! This funding from the U.S. Department of Labor will empower young people in Yazoo City with critical workforce training, education, and leadership development—helping them build brighter futures while strengthening the community.

With this investment, Gateway CDC will provide opportunity youth with hands-on construction training, industry-recognized certifications, and pathways to higher education and employment. This grant will not only uplift young people but also foster economic growth, safer neighborhoods, and a stronger Yazoo City!

Congratulations to Tuscaloosa Housing Authority Executive Director Chris Hall and the THA Team (pictured: Shardae Brasfield (FSS Coordinator), Willie Fort (Assistant Director), and Sylvia Belle (FSS Coordinator)) on their $159,624 Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) grant award from HUD! This funding recognizes THA’s commitment to empowering residents with the resources and opportunities needed to achieve financial independence.

The FSS program plays a vital role in helping public housing and voucher-assisted families build savings, pursue education and job training, and work toward homeownership. With this grant, the Tuscaloosa Housing Authority will continue providing individualized coaching, financial literacy education, and employment support—helping families break the cycle of poverty and achieve lasting self-sufficiency. Congratulations, Tuscaloosa Housing Authority!