The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Proudly celebrated the achievements of 129 graduates from its Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. This supportive initiative empowers Section 8 residents to build stronger financial foundations, with this year’s graduates collectively saving over $1.3M through the program’s escrow savings incentive. To date, the FSS program has enabled participants to amass a total of $14.4 million in savings, marking a substantial impact on the financial resilience of New York City families.
The FSS graduation ceremony is a powerful recognition of New York City families who have made meaningful strides toward achieving their career goals and building financial security. As a reward, graduates receive the escrow savings they’ve accumulated over the past five years through increased earnings and rent contributions. This milestone honors not only the individual accomplishments of each graduate but also the collective impact of HPD and HUD’s commitment to equipping Section 8 residents with essential tools for lasting economic resilience. By celebrating participants’ dedication, the event underscores the transformative role of the FSS program in building financial security for New Yorkers.
“Section 8 is a lifeline, and the Family Self-Sufficiency Program profoundly strengthens the impact of the Section 8 program for New Yorkers,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “This administration is dedicated to FSS graduates’ financial, educational, and career success, and we send our deepest congratulations to this year’s 129 graduates.”
“HPD’s Family Self-Sufficiency program has been a steppingstone for New York City families to achieve financial and economic independence for decades,” said Executive Director for Housing Leila Bozorg, “That is why I am excited to celebrate the achievements of 129 New York City families graduating from the program. This administration has been committed to putting more money in hardworking New Yorkers’ pockets, and I am glad to see this year’s graduates be able to save over $1.3 million towards their goals, thanks to the FSS program.”
“The Family Self-Sufficiency program goes beyond being just a support system; it serves as a pathway to economic stability.” said Regional Administrator Alicka Ampry-Samuel, Housing and Urban Development, Regional Administrator. “It empowers individuals to effectively prepare for challenges and work towards a more promising future. HUD is committed to providing the resources necessary to foster advancements toward independence and limitless opportunities for all our participants.”
“The Family Self Sufficiency Program has a positive multigenerational impact on hundreds of families every year. As someone who lived in public housing as a child, it is inspiring to see so many New Yorkers taking the reins of their own future, focusing on career goals and building their financial security by taking advantage of this special opportunity,” said HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión, Jr. “I congratulate the graduates and thank them for being an inspiration to other families looking to build a better future.”
Graduate Story: A Path to Independence
Pierre Ovalles, one of this year’s FSS graduates, exemplifies the transformative impact of the program. Over his five years in the Family Self-Sufficiency program, Pierre worked diligently toward his professional goal of securing a higher-paying job in education. When he first joined, he was a parent coordinator earning $43,000 annually. With the support of HPD and its partners, Pierre refined his resume and cover letter, applied to multiple school positions, and eventually transitioned into a classroom teaching role, increasing his salary to $72,000. Today, he serves as an attendance teacher with an income nearing $80,000.
Reflecting on his experience, Pierre shares:
“The FSS program gave me the tools and support I needed to grow personally and professionally. It helped me refine my goals and develop a sense of purpose. Life isn’t perfect, but it’s so much better now. I recommend this program to anyone ready to take control of their future.”
Pierre first learned about the FSS program through flyers he saw during visits to 100 Gold Street. He joined the program to become self-sufficient and achieve his professional goals, crediting it with helping him develop a sense of purpose. Now, Pierre is focusing on his next milestone: working toward homeownership through the FSS program.
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Since 1992, HPD’s FSS program has empowered Section 8 families to achieve financial stability through partnerships with HUD, community organizations, and financial institutions. Participants gain access to resources such as education, job training, and financial literacy, along with a unique escrow savings incentive that supports long-term stability as income grows.
Each FSS participant works closely with HPD staff to create a personalized five-year plan outlining career objectives and actionable steps. Many take advantage of educational opportunities at community colleges or receive additional support from HPD’s partners. As participants increase their earnings, the corresponding rise in their rent share is deposited into a private, tax-free escrow account. Upon graduation, participants receive their escrow savings if they are employed and have been free from cash public assistance for the previous year.
HPD collaborates with key community-based partners, including BronxWorks, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, and NYC Small Business Services, which offer tailored services from case management to job training and financial counseling. HPD’s dedicated team of case managers, team leaders, and program coordinators work to ensure participants have ongoing support, track progress, and facilitate connections to resources across the city.
“The Family Self-Sufficiency program is a vital tool in empowering our community members at Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation to achieve economic security and independence. Through FSS, our clients gain access to financial literacy, job training, and savings incentives that create real pathways to stability and growth. Each graduate’s success represents a powerful step toward closing the racial wealth gap, as they build assets, advance in their careers, and realize long-term goals like homeownership and higher education. We are honored to partner with HPD and HUD in supporting these achievements and are inspired by the dedication of every graduate who has worked toward a brighter financial future,” said Ian Straughter, Chief Program Officer, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation.
“The Family Self Sufficiency Program is truly a transformative initiative, core to the BronxWorks vision of Lifting Lives and Building Futures. Participants strive to establish employment, financial, and housing stability while taking a critical step towards independence. We are thrilled to join HPD and community partners and celebrate the success of our resilient neighbors. The FSS participants have achieved so much, and it is a privilege to work alongside them as they realize their goals,” said Betty Ann Tamaisar, Vice President – Workforce Development, BronxWorks.
Impact of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Since its inception, the FSS program has positively impacted the lives of 2,135 New Yorkers, helping them build assets and work toward long-term financial security. Through savings and skill development, the program supports participants in creating a stable financial foundation that extends beyond immediate needs, empowering them to pursue goals such as homeownership, education, and career advancement. Collectively, participants have saved over $14.5M in escrow accounts, providing a foundation for a more secure future. These accomplishments highlight the FSS program’s role in empowering Section 8 families across New York City and reinforce HPD’s commitment to fostering economic resilience within the community.
To learn more about HPD’s Family Self-Sufficiency program and how to participate, visit ww.nyc.gov/hpd/fss.
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