Section 3 (Economic Opportunity)

Section 3 is a provision of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Act of 1968 that helps foster local economic development, neighborhood economic improvement, and individual self-sufficiency. The Section 3 program requires that recipients of certain HUD financial assistance, to the greatest extent feasible, provide job training, employment, and contracting opportunities for low- or very-low income residents in connection with projects and activities in their neighborhoods.

If you live in government-assisted housing or if your household income falls below HUD's income limits, you may qualify as a Section 3 resident or Section 3 business concern.

Section 3 helps low-income residents get the skills and jobs needed to become self-sufficient.

Who receives priority under Section 3?
For training and employment:
• Persons in public and assisted housing
• Persons in the area where the HUD financial assistance is spent
• Participants in HUD Youthbuild programs
• Homeless persons

Click here to complete a Resident Certification Form. 

Section 3 also provides opportunities for qualified, low-income business owners to receive preference in bidding on HUD-funded contracts.

What is a Section 3 business concern?
A business that:
• Is 51 percent or more owned by Section 3 residents;
• Employs Section 3 residents for at least 30 percent of its full-time, permanent staff; or
• Provides evidence of a commitment to subcontract to Section 3 business concerns, 25 percent or more of the dollar amount of the awarded contract.

Click here to complete a Certification Form for Business. 

For BOTH forms, simply fill out & return to:
Karyn Engle
Section 3 Coordinator
Email: kengle@shanc.org
Fax: 919-776-7657
or
USPS: P.O. Box 636
Sanford, NC 27331