SEATTLE—September 13, 2006—People who knew Kristine seven years ago would not believe how much her life has changed since then.

She has steadily progressed in her job, is in a healthy relationship, has her finances in better shape and is even thinking about buying a house. In 1999 she and her two children moved from California to Seattle after just receiving a Section 8 Housing Voucher that they were able to use for an apartment in North Seattle.

“I really believe the housing support saved us from being homeless at the time,” said Kristine thinking back on her first years in Seattle.

On a referral from her housing case manager she enrolled in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, administered by Seattle Housing Authority. The FSS Program provides Section 8 and Public Housing residents the opportunity to accumulate savings in order to eventually help buy a home, repair credit, start a business or pursue education.

A savings account is established for participants and monthly deposits are credited to the account when their rent increases from increases in earned income. There is a potential match of two to one (up to $10,000) for every dollar in one's savings if used for home ownership (based on eligibility and availability of funds).

“The FSS Program helped me achieve goals in order to hopefully never need assistance again,” said Kristine. “And to make life better for the next generation – my kids.”

Participants, with the help of a FSS Program case manager, establish self-directed goals that relate to their education, employment and homeownership. For a participant to receive the balance in their savings, they must accomplish their goals, exceed income limits or purchase a home within a certain period of time.

Kristine graduated from the FSS Program this year when she exceeded the program’s income limits. Over the last seven years she has gradually made more money and progressed in positions at the financial institution she first started working at when she moved to Seattle.

“The FSS Program teaches you to become more self-sufficient,” said Kristine. “It encourages you to accomplish the goals that you set in order to reach your full potential.”

Interim withdrawals from the savings account are available to assist participants in their efforts to accomplish their goals. Participants have benefited from taking withdrawals for crucial needs that lead to becoming more self-sufficient like paying for child care and unexpected bills.

To participate in the FSS program residents need to remain in contact with their case manager, complete all documentation as requested, continue to work toward established goals throughout participation and become independent of TANF and GAU for one year prior to completing the program.

“The accountability of setting goals with a case manager really helped me stay on track for where I wanted to be with my goals,” said Kristine.

Kristine’s case manager, Roger Fujita, said that Kristine’s success can really be credited to her own ability to stay on track with her priorities and goals.

“Kristine has ambition and self-motivation,” said Fujita. “She really wanted to succeed and she did.”