Homeownership & FSS
PCHA SECTION 8 OR PUBLIC HOUSING RECIPIENTS ONLY
 

 Housing Information
 

What is Family Self Sufficiency?

Pierce County Housing Authority's Family Self Suffeciency (FSS) Program is designed to assist Section 8 and Public Housing participants in achieving economic self-sufficiency.

FSS is a voluntary program that links participants to community resources and opportunities like education, job training, counseling, transportation, childcare and other social services.

The two primary goals of FSS are to reduce or elimiate a family's use of welfare programs and to promote access to living wage employment.

How Does it Work?

When a Section 8 or Public Housing participant expresses an interest in FSS, they are invited to meet with program staff one-on-one to talk about the program in detail so that they fully understand what FSS has to offer.

If participants decide that FSS is something that would benefit their family, they attend an orientation session with others who are interested. The orientation session is an opportunity for participants to find out about a series of required classes. They will also have the opportunity to schedule appointments to develop an individual goal plan.

Once an FSS member has identified his/her goals (cleaning up poor credit, finding a better job, getting more education, owning a home), staff will help link them to the resources they need to make those goals a reality.

What are the Benefits?

FSS offers some great incentives for participation. The first is access to people in the commmunity who can help FSS members chart a course to financial independence. Experts from the fields of financial planning, home buying, conflict resolution, credit repair, and more, deliver information that can change a family's financial future.

Another incentive is access to resources that members may not know about or that they need assistance to utilize. Information on things like transportation, affordable childcare, Independent Devlopment Accounts (IDA), and much more, is available through FSS.

FSS also offers an informal 'support group' of people who are also pursuing opportunities to make positive change in their lives. This support can help make that change less stressful and more productive.

FSS also offers a great opportunity for working families to put some money away. As a household's income increases due to employment, the amount of the rent paid by Section 8 decreases accordingly. For example, Household A finds a home for $100 a month. Because the household's income is very low, Section 8 pay $70 of the total rent. Houshold A's head finds a job, begins to earn more money, and the Section 8 portion of the rent is reduced to $40. If the household participates in FSS, the $30 monthly difference goes into an escrow account that the family can then use as part of a down payment on a home, for tuition and books, or for any other approved purpose.

PCHA Homeownership Program

How can I purchase a home?

There are basic preparations that anyone-regardless of income-should make if they want to own a home. Those preparations include:     

• Making sure your credit record is good 
• Attending a first-time homebuyer class 
• Having some money for a down payment 
• Working full time for at least a year (unless elderly or disabled)

Is it possible for me to buy a home if my household receives Section 8 assistance?     

Yes, it is possible. If you have made the preparations described above, your Section 8 voucher may be used to subsidize your mortgage for a period of up to fifteen years. If you are elderly (62 and over) or disabled, this time limit may not apply.

What kind of home would I qualify for?        

That depends on your income, the size of your household, and any debt you may have. Homes must be located in Pierce County, outside the city of Tacoma. They can be any type of housing (traditional, condominium, modular) - except manufactured homes, duplexes, owner-financed or lease-to-own.

How can PCHA help?       

PCHA can help you pull your credit report so you know where you stand. Staff will direct you to financial literacy training; enroll you in first-time homebuyer class, and; facilitate consultation with trained lending professionals. As part of PCHA Section 8 responsibility, the agency will also inspect a home you are considering for purchase to make sure it meets Housing Quality Standards and provides your family with a safe and decent place to live.

Where do I start?

 Contact PCHA's FSS/Homeownership Coordinator at 253-620-5474 for consultation.  

How do I apply?
After renting with your Section 8 Voucher, you have the following options;