The Family Self Sufficiency Program

Success and nothing less

Every year, Way Finders celebrates April’s Financial Literacy Month because we understand that many people may lack knowledge and education about money management skills.  As an organization, Way Finders has various programs that focus on financial self-sufficiency and leads to rental sustainability, business startups, and first time homebuyers.

Way Finders’ Family Self Sufficiency program is a program that works with families receiving a section 8 Housing Choice Voucher with the ultimate goal that within 5 years families will become economically self-sufficient and no longer need their voucher. Upon entering the program, a participant meets with Way Finders to develop  an Individual  Training and Services Plan (ITSP) and enters into a 5 year contract, that  creates a structured pathway including  meeting  certain obligations within a five-year period.

During the five-year period, as participants work with Way Finders and their earnings increase, their rent portion increases as well. As a financial incentive, EOHLC places a determined amount of the increased rent into a bank where it is escrowed in the participant’s name. When a participant has met their goals identified in the (ITSP) and met all the requirements for graduation, they will graduate and obtain their final escrow disbursement.   Many participants move on to homeownership and use their escrow for a down payment and others have invested in their own business or used the funds for further education.

Today Way Finders has 195 participants enrolled in the Family Self Sufficiency program. With a limited number of Housing Vouchers available, we understand the importance of working with our voucher holders  to obtain the tools needed to  become self-sufficient. The program's motto is “Success and Nothing Less”. This statement drives the work of the staff as well as the initiatives of the families served. 

If you or someone you know is currently a Way Finders' Section 8 participant and would like more information on the Family Self Sufficiency Program, please contact housingsupport@wayfinders.org or call 413.221.4702.