$1.16 Million in Federal Funding Allocated to Continue Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Feb. 21, 2024
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Opportunity Home San Antonio’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program received a $1.16 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to fund resident service coordinators, enabling the organization to continue assisting participants of federal housing programs in achieving self-sufficiency.
Families who elect to participate in the program enter into a five-year contract with the organization, with a possible two-year extension, and begin working toward achieving their professional and personal aspirations through the incorporation of training and service plans. An interest-bearing escrow account is set up that contains the difference of the rent a participating family pays when entering the program and the increased rent they are charged when their earned income increases.
Once a family has completed their contract, they may claim the escrow account if the person who signed the contract is employed, no family member is receiving welfare assistance and the family has met their other individual goals.
“This funding from HUD will ensure our residents continue to work with our team of resident service coordinators who are committed to helping them unlock their full potential,” said Joel Tabar, director of resident services. “The long-term success of our residents is vital to our mission.”
Overall, HUD awarded more than $128 million to 835 Public Housing Agencies and Project Based Rental Assistance owners for the 2023 Renewal and New Family Self-Sufficiency Program grants. The funds will be used to assist families by providing financial resources to achieve economic independence.