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HACY gets grants to continue housing support
Last weekend Maria and Santiago Renteria moved into a new house with a room for each of their three children.
Aside from the fact they are living in a new home, what is significant about the move is that they are in a home that will be their own.
The Renterias previously lived in subsidized housing administered by the Housing Authority of the City of Yuma (HACY). It was that agency that helped them gain the financial independence to acquire a home.
The success of HACY's Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program was one of the reasons it has received two grants totaling $185,845 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to continue the program, said Michael Morrissey, HACY executive director.
"We're very excited about it. It's a testament to the quality of our staff members, our commitment to the success of this program and to the interest of resident participants who believe that this program truly gives them the opportunity to enhance their quality of life," Morrissey said.
The FSS program is in its 14th year helping low-income families become economically self-sufficient and first-time homeowners.
The Renterias tried to obtain a loan for a house but never qualified because Santiago's earnings as a construction worker were not enough, Maria said.
But with the help of FSS, the Renterias were able to afford the four-bedroom, two-bathroom house in Somerton.
"We're very happy to have been able to buy a house," said Maria, a homemaker.
HACY provides public housing for 235 families and helps over 1,100 other families find suitable housing with outside landlords - all which are eligible to participate in the FSS program, said Sandra Nuņez, housing program manager.
FSS puts people in contact with service providers in the community and shows them what is available to improve their lives, Nuņez said.
According to the HUD Web site, FSS provides services such as child care, transportation, education, job training and employment counseling, substance/alcohol abuse treatment or counseling, household skill training and homeownership counseling.
One of the benefits with the program is HACY is able to save money on the residents' behalf that can be used for a down payment on a house, Nuņez said.
If participants do decide to buy a house with the money, HACY finds lenders and other agencies to match the amount, Nuņez said.
"They are able to invest their savings and get a house at minimal cost," she said.
FSS is one of the largest homeowner producers in Yuma creating buyers instead of renters which in turn builds wealth and assets that benefit the economy.
"We have a significant number of resident participants in the program and I think we've shown some real progressive success that is recognized at the federal level," Morrissey said.
