Housing Program Helps Local Couple Build Path to Independence
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - After years of working toward stability, a Santa Barbara couple is celebrating new independence.
The road hasn’t been easy for the couple.
“It was very frustrating because I have two kids. They go to school, they need things,” said Norma Gonzalez, a Family Self-Sufficiency graduate.
Through the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara’s Family Self-Sufficiency program, the couple learned how to manage money and plan for long-term goals.
“Once I signed up, I was relieved. I come from a Hispanic background, so we’re not taught what to do with our money or how to make it grow,” Gonzalez said.
“We graduated after five years. We love the program,” said Tarince Tyler, also a graduate. “It’s good because it’s very expensive here.”
The program helps families move from public assistance to financial stability.
“The program is very much needed. A lot of individuals want to get on the FSS program,” said Dulce Astorga with the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara.
“Learning how to budget my money more — that has been the biggest outcome for me,” Gonzalez added.
Team leaders hope the program will continue providing support, especially with the high cost of living in Santa Barbara.
“Participants learn about higher education, building credit, and finding stable employment,” said Astorga, the Family Self-Sufficiency coordinator.
By putting what they’ve learned into action, the couple is turning short-term help into the secure future they’ve always wanted.
“One day, maybe not in this state, but we want to buy a house somewhere,” Tyler said.After years of working toward stability, a Santa Barbara couple is celebrating new independence.
