Family Self-Sufficiency Program

Ventura, CA—The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) is pleased to highlight the success of its program participants in the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program.

FSS is a program designed to assist Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Public Housing program participants in identifying and reaching their educational, career and life goals. Once enrolled in the program, the participants are connected to the FSS Coordinator who provides the families access to job training referrals, educational opportunities, financial literacy resources, and ongoing support. Another benefit of the FSS program is that eligible families, qualify for an escrow (savings) account, that allows them access to the monies once they graduate from the five-year program and are working full-time and free of welfare assistance.

Since 2020, the HACSB has graduated 18 graduates and has awarded $358,001.86 in escrow funds. Despite the global pandemic, earlier this year, there was one graduate who received $71,092.51!

The FSS Program is “a hand up, not a handout. You will feel a sense of accomplishment once you have graduated from the program,” said Jeri, a recent FSS graduate.

“In this journey, there was one defining moment I must mention it was the loss of my oldest son, in 2018 to suicide. In honor of his life, I continue to fight each day for a better life for me and my family. It has not been easy, but my faith in God and programs like this, it has helped me to achieve greater; and to have hope that all things are possible. While being in this program I received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, I am a licensed notary public and loan signing agent to name only a few goals. I can say I am better today and more equipped for the opportunities to come,” said another FSS graduate.

About HACSB

The mission of the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura is to provide and develop quality affordable housing for eligible low-income residents of Ventura County and to establish strong partnerships necessary for HACSB customers to achieve personal goals related to literacy and education; health and wellness; and job training and employment leading to personal growth and economic self-sufficiency.

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