The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) is designed to help Section 8 families gain and maintain independence from welfare.  FSS uses housing as the stabilizing base so that families are able to invest energies in efforts necessary to achieve self-sufficiency.  The FSS goal is to have families become independent within a five to seven year period through educational development, and technical, trade and vocational skill training.  FSS coordinates public-private partnerships and resources to involve local business, elected officials, and agencies into an integrated personal development program.  FSS families have access to childcare assistance, transportation, job counseling and readiness training, money management courses, and other needed supportive services that promote independence and choice.

The FSS Program offers families a financial incentive to participate in the form of an escrow account which becomes available upon program completion. 

Informational briefings are available on the third Sat of each month. You may pre-register by contacting the FSS Program Coordinator.

Cynthia Pankey
FSS Program Coordinator                                                                                                                                                                     FSS                                                                                                                                                         cdpankey@hrha.org
 

In October, 2000 HUD rules changed, allowing housing authorities to assist Section 8 participants to become homeowners. Under the Homeownership program, a housing authority can choose to allow Section 8 participants to use their Vouchers to purchase a home.  Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority began implementing the Homeownership Program in the year 2005. 

Eligibility requirements

A person / family must:

Be a current HRHA Section 8 participant enrolled in HRHA Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, who is in compliance with their contract of participation or is a recent FSS participant eligible for transitional supportive services; or

1. Be a current HRHA Section 8 participant, who is elderly or disabled as defined by 24 CFR 5.403(b); or
2. Be a first-time homebuyer, as defined by HUD-with no ownership interest in a home over the past three years.  
3. Not owe money to any housing authority.
4. Have at least one adult household member continuously employed full-time for at least 1 year prior to applying for homeownership assistance. If the head of household is elderly or disabled, this requirement may be waived.
5. Earn a minimum annual gross income of $16,900.
6. Have a middle FICO score of 620 or higher.
7. Have a certificate of completion of the VHDA first time home buyer counseling seminars issued within one year prior approval for the Homeownership Program.

Participant's responsibilities

Section 8 participants will be responsible for the down payment funds, choosing a lender and meeting the lender's requirements. However, the Housing Authority may reject the application if the lender or the loan does not meet standards.  In addition to the Housing Authority's HQS inspection, the Section 8 participant must arrange and pay for an independent inspection by a certified home inspector.

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Virginia Individual Development Accounts Program (VIDA)

The VIDA Program helps eligible families learn how to manage their money and save to purchase a home, pay for school or start a business through a special VIDA savings account.  VIDA can help you establish a savings goal plan to reach your goals. We will teach you about credit and budgeting, and homeownership, business planning, or career planning.

Eligibility requirements
A person / family must:

1. Be a US citizen or legal alien
2. Be employed
3. Have a dependent child under the age of 18 living with you if saving for a business or education
4. Meet household income requirements
5. Be able to save a minimum of $25 per month

Participant's responsibilities

Participants are responsible for completing all program requirements within 24 months from the program acceptance date.

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Cynthia Pankey
Cynthia Pankey
FSS Program Coordinator                                                                                                                                                                     FSS                                                                                                                                                         cdpankey@hrha.org

Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority

Telephone: 757-727-1111
Fax:  757-727-1291

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