From Housing Assistance to Home Ownership

All participants who choose to enroll in the Family Self-Sufficiency program (FSS) are invited to establish goals when they sign the 5-year contract. Many participants aim to take the many steps needed to prepare for home ownership. This involves working on their credit, budgeting, securing a higher paying job, and learning about the home buying process.

In July, FSS participant Amber closed on her home and moved out of Franklin Heights. Amber joined FSS when she moved into Franklin Heights in 2019 and successfully worked through the program to secure a higher paying job. Amber shares her reflection about moving from housing assistance to home ownership.

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“I was on the waiting list for what seemed to be a very long time. When I finally got a call I was so relieved due to being a single mother of two children and struggling with a stressful low wage job and life expenses. When I moved to the Franklin Heights neighborhood I found the most amazing neighbors, to what now feels like family. I joined the FSS program after a couple weeks of being in my apartment and I was beyond grateful for the wonderful people in the FSS community.

I loved the interaction, the encouragement, and being able to discuss my dreams. I got great advice and help with things I wanted out of life that I had no clue how to do myself or where to start. My FSS caseworker Everett made things so clear, easy and understanding. He was so helpful in helping me get my goals, dreams written down and kept me motivated to try my best with check ins each month. I went to school for medical assistance. I got an amazing job in the Healthcare industry. My children have grown and learned from this experience as well, watching me keep going on my goals. We have graduated from the FSS Program and we just moved into our new home. We have a new and bright outlook on life, and I give a great thanks to this community for their support.” – Amber G.