BOISE - Tim Kinney, a participant in the Idaho Housing and Finance Association's Family Self Sufficiency Program in Lewiston, recently was awarded a $5,000 Financial Assistance for Resident Entrepreneurs (FARE) grant. Kinney, who runs an auto mechanic shop, was one of just five FARE winners nationwide.

Kinney's Autoworks is a full service automotive repair shop serving the Lewis Clark Valley. Utilizing 23 years of experience in repairing cars and trucks, Kinney has built a solid clientele through reliable, friendly service at very affordable prices. The award money will help the shop procure modernizing equipment to make the business more competitive.

"Thanks to this grant I will be able to afford the engine lift and diagnostic scanner I need to increase my business," Kinney said. "Thank you so much!"

The FARE grant is for new businesses (Kinney Autoworks began in 2002), specifically to start, expand or improve operations. The competition was open to any business owned or operated by anyone who had received HUD housing assistance in 2002.

PDQ Supply, Inc, a national appliance, heating and plumbing parts distributor, funded the grant, while the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials sponsored the competition.

IHFA's Family Self Sufficiency Program is voluntary for Section 8 families and helps Idaho households become economically independent. Households receive help in setting and achieving their goals for employment and economic independence within five years, using a combination of education, job training, career counseling and other support services.

Since the Family Self Sufficiency Program's inception in 1995, the Association has signed contracts with nearly 600 Idaho families to participate in the program, and 122 have graduated. Currently, more than 200 families are enrolled in the program.

To find out more about Family Self Sufficiency, contact an IHFA regional branch office or the Boise office at (208) 331-4796, toll free at (800) 458-2791, or visit www.ihfa.org/rental_family.asp.