Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Participant Buys Home

Ms. Felicia Cox has successfully completed the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. She completed all of her goals listed in the FSS Contract of Participation and increased her income by finding a good job. As a result, she was granted her escrow account balance of more than $2500, which included interest.

The Section 8 Family Self-Sufficiency program is designed to help families help themselves. This program offers referrals for community services so that the head of household can receive training and find a job. Once FSS participants find a job and increase their income, the Housing Authority sets aside a portion of their rent and puts it into a savings account. The escrow account is available after all goals have been met and the family is independent of ALL welfare assistance. The escrow account may be used in a variety of ways such as purchasing a home / automobile or for educational purposes.

In order to participate in the program, Family Self-Sufficiency participants must be willing to sacrifice their time and put forth effort, like Felicia Cox. This program is very beneficial to those who are motivated and want to enjoy a better quality of life.

When Felicia enrolled in the FSS Program back in July of 1998, she knew that it was going to take some hard work to achieve all her goals. She left her job as a childcare worker and found a new job working for the State of Alabama that offered benefits and advancement opportunities. While working, she continued to take classes at Shelton State Community College. After finding a better paying job, Felicia increased her earned income enough to build an escrow account. She paid off several of her bills during the course of the contract and saved to get a car so she would have dependable transportation. She later contacted the Tuscaloosa Housing Authority about the FIRST HOME program, completed an application, submitted the necessary paperwork and was approved by Compass Bank. She used some of her escrow check to assist her with closing cost.

Ms. Cox has transferred to the University of Alabama and plans to continue her education there until she graduates with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. She now works for the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Dept. We are very proud of Ms. Cox and wish her well in all of her future endeavors! She has truly made her dreams become a reality.

"For with God nothing shall be impossible (Luke 1:37) and... I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)."
- Felicia Cox, Former FSS Participant

Family Self-Sufficiency - Empowering Individuals to Excel and Succeed!