Press Releases

SALINAS, Calif.-Since 1994, the Housing Authority of the County of Monterey (HACM) has been providing participating Section 8 families of Monterey County a unique opportunity to participate in the Family Self Sufficiency Program (FSS). The FSS Program is designed to promote employment and encourage saving among families that participate in the Housing Choice Voucher Program, in addition there is a monetary incentive that is provided to participating families that successfully complete the five-year commitment in which the program entails. To date, the FSS Program has awarded a total of $584,878 to 100 successful participating Monterey County families since 1994.

Currently the HACM is serving 177 families in the FSS Program, in which 135 are accruing funds monthly, in an interest bearing account. In fact, over the past two and a half years, the HACM has been tremendously privileged to have seven of its FSS Program graduates move beyond Section 8 assistance and onto homeownership. "We applaud our participating families for working so hard to reach their goal and dream of owning a home in Monterey County. This experience is arming and empowering them with the knowledge, resources and real world experience of what true homeownership is about," says HACM Commissioner Chairman, Mike Nichols.

Most recently, as a way to jump start the home buying boom among families in which the HACM serves, many community partnerships have been forged to provide greater opportunities and education for FSS Program participants. Along with organizations and financial programs like the Monterey County Housing Alliance (MoCHA), the FDIC's Money Smart Program and Fannie Mae Homeownership Counseling Tools, FSS Program participants can learn about ways to become a successful homeowner and gain hands-on experience and knowledge.

For more information about the FSS Program and the Housing Authority of the County of Monterey visit http://www.hamonterey.org/pdf/fssbro.pdf or call 831.775.5000.