NMHC graduates 1 more from FSS Program

On April 30, 2024, Northern Marianas Housing Corp.’s Board of Directors, management, and staff presented another graduate with a. certificate of completion under the NMHC’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program.

Director Oscar M. Babauta presented Peggy Hong with a certificate of completion and commended Hong for her outstanding achievement and emphasized not to lose that initiative and hard work it took for her to become self-sufficient. Chairwoman Merced “Marcie” M. Tomokane reiterated those sentiments and asked if NMHC could share her story with others in the community and to allow NMHC to publicly share, so that others can benefit from the FSS Program.

NMHC continues to encourage Housing Choice Voucher Participants to enroll in the FSS Program to avail of assistance such as job placement, obtaining GED, learning crafts and trades, etc. to better their lives and become less dependent on federal subsidies/assistance.

Hong has participated in the FSS Program since June 2017 as a family of nine. Her goal was to find a job and set her family up for a better life. She found employment with Kensington Hotel Saipan in September 2017 and is currently employed with the same company. The FSS Program assisted Hong’s son to enroll in the Northern Marianas Technical Institute. In addition, the FSS Program helped him with enrolling with the Department of Labor and Workforce Investment Agency to get financial assistance with the tuition at NMTI. Hong’s son is participating in his family’s success by obtaining his GED and completing the Automotive Technology Certification Courses with NMTI. Hong stated, “Since I joined this program, I started to build stability and became strong willed just because I felt like I had a purpose in life. This program helped me grow and made me feel confident.” She also wanted to express her thanks to her FSS coordinator who helped her throughout the process of the program. Now, Hong’s journey will continue in the United States as she and the remaining family are relocating to join her adult children.

The FSS Program is a voluntary program designed to assist families in becoming economically dependent. With the support of local agencies, FSS combines case management, education, job training, and ongoing support to aid the family in improving their lives and to achieve complete financial independence within (5-7) years. The main requirements are the desire to become self-sufficient and a commitment to take the steps necessary to make this happen. Eligible participants are those who are currently receiving rental assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher Program and are the head of household and 18 years of age or older. A great benefit to the FSS Program is that recipients, who pay a rent share, receive an interest-bearing escrow account. The account accrues as the household’s portion accrues as the household’s portion of rent increases because of an increase in earned income. The account is held until the participant successfully completes the contract. (PR)