Seven FSS graduates celebrate their self-sufficiency journey, take home 61K in total escrow savings

San Antonio, TX – The Housing Authority of Bexar County hosted our first Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program Graduation of 2023, celebrating the successes of seven graduates on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.

The ceremony took place at the HABC office on 1954 E. Houston St., with County Judge Melissa Saenz in attendance as the ceremony’s guest speaker.

“I think a very large part of when you gain your financial independence, when you gain your educational independence like you guys are doing, it puts you in a situation where you are less likely to experience domestic violence, you are less likely to be homeless, and you are more likely to be able to create a foundation for your children if you have them. You are becoming a role model for your child. The fact that your child is seeing you move forward and take charge of your life, this is setting the example for them, that this is possible. And why shouldn’t it be possible?… Regardless of where you come from, regardless of the neighborhood you grew up in, it comes down to what you are motivated to do, and the fact that you are taking charge of your life says a lot about you right now,” Judge Saenz said to the graduates during the ceremony.

These seven graduates completed the 5-year incentive program for Section 8 Voucher holders by completing job skills training, homeownership classes, financial literacy classes, and setting goals for themselves and working hard to reach them, with the support of their FSS Coordinator. Now with the completion of the program, each graduate received a check with money they accrued in their escrow account as their income increased over the course of the program. This quarter’s graduates took home a total of $61,773.06 in escrow savings.

We are so proud and honored to have been a part of each graduate’s journey toward self-sufficiency. Congratulations to all!

If you are a HCV (Section 8) Voucher holder, and would like to work towards becoming self-sufficient, contact our FSS Coordinators with the information provided below.

Jacqueline Moore (A-J): jacqueline.moore@habctx.org

Marco Rivera (K-Z): marco.rivera@habctx.org