By Joseph D. Bryant
Authority of the Birmingham District
The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District earlier this month celebrated the life-changing success of residents who have reached their goal of self-sufficiency.
The latest class of Family Self-Sufficiency program participants held on February 4, celebrated 10 graduates who have successfully completed the program that features goal setting, mentoring and financial incentives to empower families to make positive life changes.
Graduates have found jobs, moved to better jobs and have gone from public housing and public assistance to finding complete financial and housing independence. Participants include both public housing residents and Housing Choice Voucher residents.
“It has been a blessing for me,” said graduate Sara Bracy, sharing her personal story during the ceremony at the Smithfield Court gymnasium. “There was always something educational to learn every time we met. I knew that this program would work, but you have to be willing to put everything you have into this program.”
Leanita Johnson is living her dream each morning she opens the door and begins work in her own corner of a downtown hair salon.
Johnson is self-employed as a cosmetologist. She’s also in the home-buying market – her second major goal.
Johnson’s journey towards self-sufficiency began in late 2011 when she joined the FSS program. Johnson moved tenaciously in the direction of fulfilling her goal to improve her quality of life.
She had three goals: To become gainfully employed, to establish a salon, and to attend homebuyer seminars in preparation for homeownership.
Johnson said her journey was not without challenges, but she remained focused. Johnson gives the same advice to others that she followed.
“Don’t give up. Keep pursuing the dream that God has given you,” she said. “It doesn’t matter the obstacles. What’s for me is for me and know that God is leading me to a better place.”
Johnson now has two jobs. In late 2015, she became a community center assistant at the Harris Homes Community Center.
“It feels good and the best is yet to come,” she said. “I’m looking forward to moving into my own home.”
The Program
Participants enter into a five-year contract with HABD to identify educational, personal and professional goals. A FSS coordinator is assigned to each person to develop an action plan that outlines specific activities and services needed to achieve their goals. Services include education, job training, social services, business development, credit counseling, legal assistance, job placement and self-help workshops.
“You started with an idea that ‘I’m going to try something new,’ and you stayed on the path and you accomplished so much,” said Galvin Billups, HABD Director of Resident Services.
When a participant in the FSS program becomes employed or advances in employment, HABD rent increases, but the extra money is redirected to an escrow account. As a renter earns more income, the escrow account also grows. At the end of the five years, the special account may be used for a home down payment, completing the goal of self-sufficiency.
“Families must be able to invest in themselves and their children, and the Family Self-Sufficiency Program provides that chance,” said Jerethia Blake, a Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator. “These graduates stand as strong examples of what can be achieved with guidance, hard work and self-determination.”
In his comments, Executive Director Michael Lundy, who arrived at HABD February 2, pledged a new effort to expand FSS opportunities to residents. Lundy said FSS illustrates one of the agency’s core missions, to provide safe and affordable housing while also offering a path to true independence.
“We don’t want you to be here forever,” he said. “If you’re able-bodied we’re going to put you on a path of self-sufficiency.”
Honorees are: Bracy; Johnson; Beverly Fields; Misha Hargrove; Jacquelin Harrell; Jessica Gilbert-Jenkins; Godefroid Tshibangu (deceased) & Veronique Kamuanya; Tanisha Simmons; Della Wilborn and Cecelia Williams.
