Economic Development

The economic development group within the Housing Authority of the City of Austin’s Community Development Department is committed to helping families become free on public assistance. In support of that goal, HACA developed the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which was designed to help public housing and Housing Choice Voucher / Section 8 residents set and achieve goals toward financial independence. As participants in the FSS program, residents sign contracts to make specific, measurable strides toward becoming economically independent within five years. Recently a campaign was launched to dramatically grow the program. Fifty-four new members joined last year, increasing total enrollment by almost 50 percent. Since its inception, 25 residents have graduated from the FSS Program. HACA’s 235 participating families have a combined escrow balance of over $240,000.

Partnerships play a key role in supporting HACA’s economic development and self-sufficiency initiatives. The agency’s partners address a broad spectrum of needs designed to maximize the potential of public housing residents at all levels of employment readiness, including pre-employment training such as life skills and family supportive services that focus on the social and familial barriers to employment, job training and job search workshops and job placement and retention services. To complete the package, HACA offers transportation and childcare assistance for residents engaged in economic development activities.