The Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) and its nonprofit subsidiary Austin Pathways recently hosted “Passport to Success,” the agency’s 17th Annual Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) and Homeownership Recognition Luncheon at the Sheraton in downtown Austin.

This year’s event featured a record number of 27 awardees.

HACA’s FSS program equips residents with the tools and knowledge they need to achieve housing and financial independence. Services include education, workforce, health and life-skills programs, bolstered by access to child care, transportation and other support.

Participants accrue escrow savings funds as their earned income increases, which are then used to support education, homeownership, debt repayment or other self-sufficiency goals. To date, 192 participants have graduated from the FSS Program.

The Homeownership Program, provided through the Austin Affordable Housing Corporation (AAHC), provides services including Down Payment Assistance to aid residents with $10,000 toward a down payment and closing costs on a home. In addition, an in-house financing and an affordable stock of homes is available through AAHC’s Community Land Trust. HACA has helped 92 families become homeowners since 2004.