On October 12, HUD's New England Regional Director Taylor Caswell visited the home of Cheryl Ann Mahaffey to announce the Family Self Sufficiency grants in New Hampshire. Cheryl Ann, a single mother of a six year-old son, joined the New Hampshire Housing Authority's family self-sufficiency program in 2002 and was able to purchase her new home in April, 2004. Through the program, she was able to enroll in on-line learning classes and establish an individual development account.

HUD's Housing Choice Voucher Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program is used to help link adults who receive rental subsidy assistance to local organizations that provide job training, childcare, counseling, transportation and job placement. Participants sign a five-year contract that stipulates the head of the household will get a job. As the family's income rises, a portion of the increased income is deposited into an interest-bearing account. If the family completes the contract, the family receives the funds that they can use for any purpose - including down payment on a home purchase, paying educational expenses, starting a business or paying back debts.

"The program helps move people from public assistance to self-sufficiency," said Taylor Caswell, HUD Regional Director. "Gaining employment or finding a better job is the first step in economic independence that leads to a world full of opportunities, including homeownership."

The funding announced was part of $334,980 awarded in the Granite State, and more than $45.5 million awarded nationwide through the FSS program. Receiving funding in New Hampshire were New Hampshire Housing Authority ($215,880), Manchester Housing Authority ($42,814), Nashua Housing Authority ($20,000), and Dover Housing Authority ($56,286).

To learn more about the family self-sufficiency program, visit HUD's website.

Content Archived: March 21, 2011