With the new year in full swing, many of us are figuring out how to best achieve the resolutions and goals we set for ourselves for 2022.
A goal that many of our residents and voucher holders have is to reach self-sufficiency. While we’re here to serve Tulsans in need with safe, stable and affordable housing, we strive to connect our residents and voucher holders with resources to assist them in ultimately reaching a place where they no longer need housing subsidies and are able to sustain self-sufficiency for life.
This month we’ll be sharing information on THA programs aimed at helping residents and voucher holders reach their highest potential. We’ll start this week with THA’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program.
The FSS program is available to motivated individuals participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program (also known as Section 8) or living in a THA property looking to decrease and ultimately end dependence on public assistance.
Qualifying participants are selected to participate in the program and are then connected with an FSS coordinator. Together, participants and coordinators outline specific goals the participant would like to achieve over the next five or less years.
As goals are reached and income is increased, the difference between the increased rent payment and the prior rent payment amount is placed in an interest-bearing escrow account.
Once a participant has reached all the goals set forth, he or she will receive a check for the amount earned via the escrow account to pursue the next phase in his or her self-sufficiency journey.
Along with the escrow account established for participants, the FSS program provides education and counseling in the following areas:
- Career counseling
- Education counseling
- Money management
- Credit rehabilitation
- Homeownership basics
Recent FSS program graduate Brooke shared of her experience, “Before I enrolled in the FSS program I wasn’t completely sure about, nor focused on, my future. Now, my eyes are very clear to what my future will be and that’s being successful and achieving many other goals. Always keep in mind that as each day passes, you get closer to your goals provided you keep them in mind and make efforts.”
One of Brooke’s goals was to improve her credit score. During her time in the program, she raised her credit score by almost 200 points!
If you have goals you want to work toward and would like the support of the FSS program, visit https://www.tulsahousing.org/community/fss/ for complete program details and information on how to apply.
Tulsa Housing Authority 