Fostering self-reliance  

"You can't break the cycle of poverty for people - they have to save themselves. But for them to be successful long-term, they need to be equipped with the survival skills and tools they need to pull themselves back up."
- Deb Howard, Director of Community Services, KCCHA  

"It wasn't easy to go from the security of rental assistance to the uncertainty of being on our own. Before, if the rent went up or if John had lost his job, we were safe. Now we can't go back. But I don't regret it. We're successful and we're going to stay that way."
- Wendy, new homeowner and graduate of KCCHA's Family Self-Sufficiency Program  

Just five years ago, John and Wendy's credit rating had practically hit rock bottom. "Your credit report rates you from zero to 1,000 (which is perfect)" explains Wendy. "We were at 33."

Federal rental assistance paid 85 percent of their monthly rent, but credit card and child support payments, two car repossessions and the cost of putting John through school had put them so far in debt that there seemed no way out.

KCCHA's Family Self-Sufficiency Program helped turn things around. The program requires families to set five-year goals and develop practical strategies to help them achieve them. If they don't have a job, they build the skills they need to get one. If they're already employed, they work to acquire training or education that could lead to job advancement. They rebuild their credit and develop the confidence they need to get off assistance.

KCCHA Community Services Director Deb Howard acts as guidance counselor and cheerleader for the families, teaching them how to tap into existing programs in the community so they can reach their goals. For Wendy and John, this meant attending first-time home-buyer education classes, receiving home-ownership counseling and job training, and going through a credit repair program.

After two years, the family had paid off $9,000 in child support. Wendy built job skills by volunteering, then was able to use that experience to land a paying job. Now, five years after joining the program, the couple has paid off most of their credit cards, raised their credit rating to 771 (on a scale of 1,000), and saved over $20,000 in an escrow account for a down payment on a home.

The couple had to overcome a lot of obstacles, including fear of the unknown.

"Being on assistance is a security thing," Wendy explains. "Once you've signed the papers to buy a house, you can't go back. You're on your own. But it's worth the risk."

KCCHA programs teach skills for success
Like the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, KCCHA's Study Central, Teen Challenge and Family Camp (pictured) help parents and kids develop the skills and confidence they need to be successful in life. Study Central and Teen Challenge were honored with the National Association of Housing Redevelopment Officials National Merit Award in 1999 and 2000, and Family Camp earned this honor in 2001, as well as NAHRO's 2001 PRAIS award.