(POST FALLS, IDAHO) The path to homeownership was tough, but it was well worth it, according to Barbara Bisaro of Post Falls, Idaho. "It was not an easy process," said Bisaro, "but if you have a goal in mind and stay with it, you will reach it." Through Idaho Housing and Finance Association's Family Self-Sufficiency program and Rural Development, Bisaro and her daughter are spending the new year in their own home.

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a voluntary program that helps Idaho households learn to take control of their lives and achieve complete financial independence within five years. The program does not affect a household's housing subsidy. Anyone currently participating in Idaho Housing and Finance Association's Section 8 Rental Assistance program who would like to achieve economic independence and reach employment goals may enroll.

"Barbara Bisaro's story is an outstanding example of how the FSS program helps families become self-sufficient," said Gerald Hunter, IHFA President and Executive Director. "It's gratifying to see an individual work so diligently to achieve her dreams and provide for her family."

As a participant in the Section 8 Rental Assistance program, Bisaro began pursuing her goals of economic independence, a new career, and homeownership by attending an informational meeting about the FSS program. As a first step to reach these goals, she completed the FSS application process and signed a Contract of Participation with IHFA. The counseling she received through the FSS program enabled her to go back to school, where she received a Bachelor's degree in social work. She is now licensed and travels to visit with her clients, many of whom have severe mental disabilities. She has held this position for more than two years, and because of the help she received from FSS and other programs, she has developed a career path that she really enjoys, and which allows her to utilize her skills and make a decent wage.

Previously, Bisaro worked in home health care, but could not afford a home, nor adequately care for her family on that income. After submitting applications with other agencies, she did receive some grants, but at every turn, it seemed that there were roadblocks. Bisaro found assistance when Bette Woinowsky, FSS Specialist at IHFA's Coeur d' Alene branch office, referred her to childcare services and job programs that provided financial help for schooling, books, tuition, and other fees. Idaho Partners for Homebuyer Education's Finally Home! Homebuyer Education course, "was a wonderful class," said Bisaro. It expanded her knowledge of the home-buying process and the instructor guided her along the way with information on loans, home inspections and real estate issues.

Bisaro also received help and support from family and friends who wanted her to have a good future. She borrowed a car for transportation to attend school and programs. That kind of commitment was difficult, but it served as an example to her daughter on how hard work and long hours studying do pay off. The priorities of raising a daughter, providing a home and being on call 24/7 are quite a bit to handle, but Bisaro is getting back a kind of confidence and security that keeps her going. When things around the house break, she has no trouble fixing them herself or finding a creative solution.

Bisaro encourages others to keep pursuing the dream of homeownership. She no longer depends on subsidies, and now pays the full mortgage herself. "I made it despite all odds," Bisaro says gratefully. Anyone interested in finding out more about the Family Self-Sufficiency program in northern Idaho can contact the IHFA branch office in Coeur d' Alene at 1-866-621-2994 or (208) 667-3380, Idaho Housing and Finance Association's Boise office at 1-800-458-2791, or via email at fss@ihfa.org.

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The Idaho Housing and Finance Association, a financial services and housing business organization, provides funding for affordable housing in communities where it is most needed and when economically feasible.