Photos, below:
FSS graduates move into their first house.

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is one of the initiatives under the Home Ownership and Opportunity for People Everywhere (HOPE) enacted in 1990. The theme is "Empowering People" by combining housing assistance programs with a package of Supportive Services, FSS families work in partnership with the Housing Authority to set goals and obtain the skills they need to achieve financial independence and the pride that goes with it. Use of housing as a stabilizing force permits families to invest their energy in other efforts including employment, education and job training that are necessary to achieve self-sufficiency. The key to the success of this program has been the flexibility, caring and one on one support from the housing authority staff

The Housing Authority offers a financial incentive to Section 8 or Public Housing families who are enrolled in the FSS program through the establishment of an escrow account based on the families earned income. This escrow becomes available to the family upon successful completion of their Contract of Participation, or upon achievement of certain interim goals. These savings can be used for the purchase of their first home.

Homeownership assistance is available to these families as well as other low to moderate-income families through KCCHA's down-payment assistance, and Self-Help Housing programs. The Housing Authority coordinates first time homebuyer education classes and pre and post housing counseling in over 6 counties through the Olympic Housing Network Grant program.

For more information contact Deborah Howard at 1-800-693-67070 ext 6151.