Advancing Community Employment (ACE)

Advancing Community Employment (ACE) Program

CMHA, through its Advancing Community Employment (ACE) program, fosters local economic development, promotes workforce-development, and ensures compliance with HUD Section 3 policy and guidelines.  The ACE program connects CMHA residents with employment opportunities, such as those that become available as the agency repairs, upgrades, and renovates its existing housing stock.Construction Workers
ACE Program FAQs
Who can participate in the ACE Program?
You can participate if you meet any of the following conditions:

  • Your individual income for the previous or annualized calendar year was below $50,650.
  • You are employed by an ACE business.
  • You are a YouthBuild participant.
CMHA is actively recruiting ACE Workers who are current CMHA residents. CMHA will recruit Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) voucher holders and other low-income individuals in the future.
Why should I participate in the ACE Program?
Participating in the ACE Program is a chance to:

  • Be matched with training and paid work opportunities
  • Achieve sustained employment and self-sufficiency
  • Get information (through phone calls and emails) about upcoming work and training opportunities suited for your skills and preferences
How do I participate in the ACE Program?
You may apply by completing this ACE Worker Directory Application (Form DEI-8) and emailing to ACE@cmha.net.

Once your application is submitted, you will receive a call providing more information.
Does the PAR Program still exist?
No, the ACE Program now combines the old PAR Program with HUD's Section 3 regulations. But similar to the old PAR Program:

  • ACE will continue providing access to job and training opportunities for such things as construction, office work, OSHA safety training, plumbing, and painting.
  • ACE will also ensure CMHA residents are first in line for work and training opportunities.
What is the difference between the ACE Program and HUD Section 3?
CMHA's ACE Program is very similar to HUD's Section 3 regulations, which seek to provide economic opportunities to low- and very low-income people (particularly those who receive government assistance for housing). Beyond HUD's Section 3 requirements, the ACE Program will also allow CMHA to directly recruit its own residents for job and training opportunities.
How can I learn more about the ACE Program?
How does an ACE business get involved?
Please find information for businesses here.