Developing Responsible Individuals with Valuable Education (DRIVE) Program

Developing Responsible Individuals with Valuable Education (DRIVE) Program offers housing and job training for individuals who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness. In 2020, the Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) and the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) began a partnership to increase ridership on public transportation across the state. Initially, the focus was to expand services to residents that lived in public housing authorities and tax credit apartments. In addition to transportation, other needs came into focus. The need for gainful training and employment among those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. To address this need, MHC, MDOT, Grace House, and other organizations have joined forces to provide needed services to these individuals.

MHC's Role

MHC is the state recipient of the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). One of the eligible activities provided through the ESG program is essential services which include Employment Assistance and Job Training (24CFR576.102(iv)). In 2020, MHC received $18 million in ESG-Cares funds to prevent, prepare for and respond to COVID. The ESG-CV funds and its flexible wavers (CPD-21-08) served as the building block for the DRIVE program.  DRIVE can assist those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by helping them find both stable employment and housing.

Trainings Offered

DRIVE offers a variety of training programs and job placements thanks to community partnerships.

  • CDL
  • Medical Assistant
  • Pharmacy Tech
  • Phlebotomy
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (accepting applicants with a criminal background)
  • Diesel Technology (accepting applicants with a criminal background)

Program Impact

  • The ESG program can pay for the rent of those who qualify for up to two years, depending on funding availability and family need.
  • The average annual income after completing DRIVE is more than double the average income participants had at program entry.
  • The average training is approximately 3 weeks.
  • Participants who graduate will obtain a license to work in the chosen field.
  • DRIVE offers assistance and recommendation letters to help find jobs.

Program Results

Since the start of the program...

  • 49 individuals have been enrolled

  • 49 individuals were homeless/at risk of homelessness

  • 22 individuals have completed their training

  • Program participant's income increased by a gross average of $2,000/month

  • 100% of individuals who have received their certification are placed in jobs

 

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Partnerships
“Together We Are Better”

To carry out this program, we have partnered with several local organizations that help identify candidates. These partnerships continue to grow and evolve as the program does. If you are interested in seeing if you might be a good candidate for the program please see a list of available partners below.

Grace House

PH: (601) 353-1038
info@gracehouse.org
https://www.gracehousems.org/

Carter's Companion

PH: (769) 208-8166

Other Partners:

  • Mississippi Dept of Transportation (MDoT)
  • City of Jackson

MHC Staff Contact

Tamara Stewart
AVP of Grant Management
601-718-4654

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