Family self-sufficiency (FSS) is a HUD program that encourages communities to develop local strategies to help housing choice voucher families obtain employment that will lead to economic independence and self-sufficiency. This program description, however, does not describe the tangible, and sometimes intangible, accomplishments experienced by the participants and graduates. Real people like Bonnie Varney participate and successfully complete this program with lives that are forever changed.

Bonnie Varney is an energetic, hard-working mother with three daughters. With a "never quit" attitude toward becoming a homeowner, Bonnie entered the FSS program and reached her goal. However, her success in the program was not without trials. For instance, bankruptcy became an ugly necessity when $30,000 in very old consumer debt threatened to derail her progress. While bankruptcy was crippling many, Bonnie focused on her goal and entered two of the housing choice voucher's self-sufficiency initiatives in December 2002--FSS and the homeownership program.

Along the way major surgery sidelined her for over three months. One of her children suffered a disabling illness. These obstacles only made Bonnie work harder to maintain her focus to achieve her goal.

HUD is very proud to announce that Bonnie has reached her goal of becoming a homeowner by graduating from the FSS program. She closed on her new home on August 25, 2006. Our congratulations go out to Bonnie on a phenomenal job well done. She serves as an inspiration to others and proof that self-sufficiency and homeownership are achievable when paired with a "never quit" attitude and just the right program.

Bonnie participated in the FSS program through the Louisville Metro Housing Authority from December 1, 2002, until graduating in June 2006. She worked with case management coordinator Sandra Schardein, who calls her "a pleasure to know and honor to work with."

The dedicated Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Coordinators who serve clients throughout Kentuckyare pictured with HUD staff during the 2006 Kentucky Housing Association FSS Conferencein Cumberland Falls, Kentucky.