Section 8 Advantage

Housing Opportunities of SW Washington (HOSWWA) has a unique program called Section 8 Advantage (S8A): the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD's) Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program.

S8A is a HUD program that enables families, assisted through the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program NED, VASH and Project Based Voucher Programs, to increase their earned income by obtaining or advancing employment opportunities and building financial assets as their household earned income increases from employment.

Participation generally lasts five years where participants identify educational, professional and personal goals. Over 214 families have graduated from S8A and found rewarding careers in hospitality or customer service, education, retail, government employment and medical fields. S8A graduates have used the money saved during the program to make down payments on homes, purchase a vehicle, pay off debt, start a business, and more.

S8A is looking for families that want to move forward by being employed. If you are chosen to enroll in S8A, HOSWWA will execute a five-year Contract of Participation with you that specifies the rights and responsibilities of both parties, and the goals and services for your family. You will work with an S8A Coach to be connected to services to assist you with completing your goals. Some of the services coordinated for the family may include transportation, education, job training, employment counseling, financial literacy and homeownership counseling among others.

An interest-bearing escrow (example: a savings account) account will be established by HOSWWA for each participating family. Any increases in your rent as a result of increased earned income during your participation in the program will result in a credit to your escrow account. Once you complete your established goals and have met program requirements, you will be issued a check for the funds in your Section 8 Advantage (FSS) escrow savings account. If the S8A contract is terminated, such as if you fail to complete the contract before the expiration date, you will lose the escrow funds.

Head of Household interested in more information on the program can contact the program coordinator at HOSWWA for an appointment. Lori Lengyel 360-423-0140 ext. 3024 or Lori.Lengyel@hoswwa.org