September 19, 2025
A New Chapter Begins
Maria walked into the Rockford Housing Authority office with more questions than answers. With two young children, a part-time job, and a dream of owning her own home, she wasn’t sure where to begin. That’s when she met two people who would change her life: Mr. Elias Soria and Ms. Laura Martinez. That meeting sparked the start of her journey with the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program—a program built not just on policy, but on partnership, possibility, and personal growth.
What Is the FSS Program?
The HUD-supported Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is designed to help public housing and voucher families build a foundation for long-term financial independence. Over the course of five years, participants set personal goals with the help of case managers, working toward education, job training, homeownership, and more.
One powerful feature: as your income grows, so does your escrow savings account—setting you up for future success.
Building Your Team, Building Your Future
FSS is more than a program—it’s a personalized plan backed by a committed team. Each participant is matched with a case manager who helps define goals, map out next steps, and connect to resources such as:
Maria says joining the program felt like “having a coach in your corner.” That support turned her uncertainty into action.
How to Get Started
Taking the first step is easy. To begin your own journey toward financial freedom:
With the right guidance and support, your story could end with keys to your very own home.
Resources:
Stay Tuned- Stories of Success
This is just Part 1 of our FSS feature series. In the next edition, we’ll share inspiring resident success stories, highlight upcoming workshops, and show what’s possible when determination meets opportunity. Until then—your future is waiting for you.
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