Five women. Five different paths. One shared achievement: Homeownership! 

During the most turbulent of times, a cohort of Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program graduates achieved a momentous milestone within months of one another: They relinquished their Section 8 Housing Choice vouchers as they assumed the new title of homeowner. All during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I always told my friends that the day I leave my apartment, it will be to go to my own home,” says FSS graduate Daisy Martinez of Springfield, who moved for the first time in 30 years. An admittedly private person, Daisy is putting her story out there in hopes of motivating others. “To anyone who’s on any kind of assistance, take advantage of programs that help you. I’m where I've always wanted to be. It means a lot to share it with my kids. My grandbabies are close to me. Everyone has their space. I’m so happy.”

At the heart of the FSS Program, which is designed to help recipients of Section 8 vouchers to achieve economic stability? Expert mentorship + motivation—to make bold asks, to make bold moves, to make bold changes. With full recognition that it takes time to bring about meaningful change, especially when it comes to improving personal finances and overcoming obstacles. And that the journey—however long, however trying—is worth each step.

“The program impacted me in a very good way,” says FSS graduate Shakina Gladden of Springfield. “I’ve learned how to manage life, manage bills, manage stress. I’m in a better place, and my kids are in a better place because of it.” 

With a mindset finely attuned to homeownership, thanks to the program, Shakina approached her landlord. “I asked him, ‘Would you be willing to sell me your house?’ And his answer was ‘Yes and no.’ Yes, because I’m a good tenant and it’s a good time to sell. No, because he wasn’t intending to sell.” Having learned his asking price, which was just out of reach, Shakina worked to further improve her credit and buying power. When she approached him a second time, his answer was “Yes.” 

While growth in confidence is hard to measure, the FSS Program has a compelling way to help participants see their personal growth: As a participant’s income and rent increase, an escrow account is established. Graduates may apply these funds toward education, homeownership, or entrepreneurship. Those who relinquish their voucher also receive a $5,000 bonus.

A month before FSS graduate Frances Rojas closed on her South Hadley home in September 2021, she received both a raise and a promotion. The timing of which made her decisions—to buy a single-family house versus a multifamily house, to give up her voucher—feel even more right. 

“Yes, the money I earned from the program came in handy,” says Frances. “But what really helped was the emotional help and support. It’s nice to have someone who pushes you, touches base with you, and believes in you. Some other people told me I was a little crazy to let go of Section 8. But this house is meant to be mine, it’s a stepping-stone to where I want to be.” 

For FSS graduate Shari Mendez of Chicopee, the program didn’t just get her to where she wants to be. It also got her out of a living situation that felt intolerable. “I was living in a two-family house, and the neighbors played music,” Shari says. “With the pandemic, we were home all the time. It was just not the best.” 

Then there was a shooting in the apartment downstairs, which spurred Shari to push harder toward homeownership. Her happiness now is a mix of pride and relief—that she has accomplished her goal (by paying down debt, improving her credit score, and growing her savings) and that she’s no longer paying $1,000 a month to rent a place that didn’t feel right for her family.

Shari’s happiness extends directly to her children. “They have their own backyard, it’s a nice neighborhood. It’s their own space where they don’t have to worry about anything going on when they go outside. They’re proud of me and I’m proud to be able to leave this to them, as time goes on.”  

One common theme throughout the journeys of Daisy, Shakina, Frances, and Shari is the importance of budgeting. But the FSS Program is so much more than workshops. It is also an ongoing source of mentorship, motivation, and encouragement. 

“My mentor Sonia has always pushed me,” says FSS graduate Iriana Cordero. “She has never given up on me. She has always told me, ‘OK, try and do this, look for other alternatives. Why don’t you try to go back to school?’ That’s why I’m here. Thank you, Sonia!” 

In January 2021, Iriana received a $24,000 escrow check upon her graduation from the program. She used part of these funds to pay down debt, which increased her credit score tremendously. And further set her up for homeownership. 

“I am happy to announce I am finally a homeowner,” says Iriana, who is pursuing a degree in liberal arts at Springfield Technical Community College. “This would have not been possible without the support of Way Finders. It is a dream come true.”

Congratulations to Daisy, Shakina, Frances, Shari, and Iriana! To read their full feature stories, please check out our impact stories.