The Family Self Sufficiency Program Can Lead to homeownership

The Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority recently received a $148,068 grant from the Department of Housing & Urban Development to support the agency's Family Self Sufficiency program, one of the largest in the state.

The Family Self Sufficiency Program coordinates public and private resources to enable families to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency through home ownership. The program, which began in 1994, has assisted 170 clients with home ownership and home sales of $16 million dollars in Newport News and over $2.5 million dollars in home sales in other Hampton Roads localities. Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority partners with many local agencies to include the Newport News Department of Human Services, Catholic Charities Credit Counseling & Hampton Roads Community Action Program that assist our clients with support services.

Currently, there are 111 clients enrolled in the program. Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority was recently recognized by the National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Officials with an Award of Merit for the First Time Hispanic Homeownership Seminar. The purpose of this seminar, sponsored by the Virginia Housing and Development Authority, was to encourage and educate Hispanic Family Self Sufficiency clients on the benefits of home ownership. The funding from the Department of Housing & Urban Development supports the salaries of three staff persons that assist families with this program.