HUD Family Self-Sufficiency Funds
Make Dreams Come True

Olivia Adams

Olivia Adams purchased her very first home in November 2007. She'd always dreamed of owning a home and after four years of hard work and dedication and with the help of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority's (RRHA) Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) she was able to make her dream a reality.

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program services should enable participating families to increase earned income, reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance, make progress toward achieving economic independence and housing self-sufficiency or, in the case of elderly or disabled residents, help improve living conditions and enable residents to age-in-place.

�Trying to purchase a home can be expensive,� said Ms. Adams. �Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the FSS program offered a lot of resources that allowed me the chance to purchase my own home.�

Ms. Adams purchased a rehabilitated home in Richmond's Historic Churchill neighborhood. The three-bedroom rancher was just what she was looking for�hardwood floors, fireplace and a safe environment for her young daughter.

Although her homeownership class requirements are completed, Ms. Adams continues to study at an area college working to earn her bachelor's degree in counseling. She plans to continue her career as a counselor, possibly in substance abuse. RRHA Family Self-Sufficiency staff provided homeownership counseling, realtor relations and connecting Ms. Adams with the appropriate service partners.

�Don't let fear intimidate you because it will defeat you if you let it,� says Ms. Adams. �If you want to own a home, the FSS program could be your opportunity to make your dream of owning a home come true.�

Content Archived: March 1, 2011