Families enrolled in CHA Family Self-Sufficiency Program

Experience Great Success in 2009

Columbia, Missouri - February 5, 2010 - Families who participated in the Columbia Housing Authority’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency Programs experienced great success in 2009 in their ability to obtain and maintain employment, set and reach career goals, obtain higher education, and gain financial stability. The Section 8 FSS Program started in 2006 followed by the Public Housing FSS Program in 2008. Both Family Self-Sufficiency Programs are sponsored by the Columbia Housing Authority and located in the newly established Family Self-Sufficiency Center inside the newly remodeled J.W. "Blind" Boone Community Center.

During the past year, 40 families participating in the Section 8 FSS program increased their household income by an average of $10,013. Public Housing FSS families increased their household income by an average of $3,573. Six families reached their goals and completed the program in 2009. Over $20,000 was disbursed to these graduates from their escrow savings accounts. Additional program successes are listed below.

• Family Self-Sufficiency Press Release (2-5-10)