Hard work, dedication pays off for Greensburg woman

Debra Kuhns, of Greensburg, is a Housing Choice Voucher recipient in Westmoreland County.

In 2019, while unemployed, Debra decided to enroll into the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program at WCHA to work on her goals to be gainfully employed and financially secure.

While enrolled in the program, Debra obtained employment at a local hotel as a front desk agent.

Throughout her time on the FSS program, Debra had maintained steady employment and was even able to purchase a vehicle.

Through her hard work and success, Debra has successfully graduated from the FSS Program and has received the money that she had accrued through the Escrow Saving Account. As part of the FSS program, the Housing Authority deposits money into the account for the participant.

Debra plans to pay off her car as well as pay off other debts to help further her goals of financial freedom.

The FSS Program is offered to Section 8 tenants and public housing residents who receive rent assistance through WCHA. FSS participants can build an escrow (savings) account based on increases in their earned income.

The goal of the program is to help families and individuals become self-sufficient and economically independent.

In addition, WCHA’s Homeownership Program assists FSS participants in moving from rental housing into an affordable home of their own. Income, employment, and homeownership counseling requirements must be met to pursue homeownership.