Rotary Roundup: Housing Authority helps bridge gap from proverty to self-sufficiency
Posted by Guy Gentile
on Dec 09, 2010
Suzanne A. Rymer, an RN and licensed social worker with the Akron Metropolitan Rousing Authority, presented information on quality housing options and a commitment to stronger neighborhoods to the Rotary Club of Twinsburg Dec. 3.
According to Rymer, approximately 20,000 Summit County residents are housed through the AMHA. The vast majority are families with young children, and many households lack basic resources to function self-sufficiently, Rymer reported.
Through its low income public housing developments, AMHA provides housing to 1,799 families with dependent children younger than 18 years. The "Bridges Out of Poverty" program through the AMHA is a national initiative to address chronic poverty and short-term crisis thinking, Rymer explained. The program offers training and classes for those seeking a better future, Rymer says. The program also helps community professionals understand and address the needs of low-income house-holds.
Low-income people who are working to improve their lives are supported and encouraged to make good decisions, stay focused and overcome obstacles. Mentors play an important role in improving a struggling family's chances of success, Rymer said. "Bridges Out of Poverty" has a goal or eliminating poverty by addressing the behavior of the individual in poverty; human and social capital; the exploitation of the poor; and economic and political structures. The model encourages communities to examine these areas and helps remove obstacles that impede individuals in poverty. This can only be achieved, Rymer says, through a community-wide effort to educate and encourage the poor, remove barriers and provide opportunities for success. The "poverty line," defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, is the minimum amount required by families to meet basic needs. The poverty line for a family of four is $21,954.
Rymer remains passionate about her work. She has a master's degree in technical education and is a retired vice president for health and social services from Mature Services, Inc. in Summit County. She taught at the University of Akron for 12 years.