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