Family Self-Sufficiency Program Celebrates Its Graduates

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Program Fosters Independence for Section 8 Residents

Proud graduates of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program pose with family members, program mentors, and city Housing Authority sponsors, having completed the five-year program. | Credit: Elijah Valerjev

Ivonne Ugalde (left) and Frank Quezeda, a resident program analyst for city Housing Authority | Credit: Elijah Valerjev

“You guys were the light at the end of a dark tunnel,” said José Miguel Ávila Vasquez, during the Monday evening graduation ceremony for the Housing Authority’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program. “I came to the program looking for a home for my family, but I found a lot more,” Vasquez said. He and his family of five had been homeless, but he is now preparing for his contractor’s license.

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program educates Section 8 residents of the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara to give them the skills needed to gain independence from public assistance. Frank Quezeda, who’s been with the Housing Authority for almost 30 years, described the program: “They sign a contract identifying long-term goals, whether they’re related to education, finance, or employment,” he said. “They’re unique to what each individual needs.”

Quezeda is dedicated to the five-year program because it allows residents to prove to themselves that they can sustain independence after the build-up of support.

Dulce Astorga, a coordinator for the Family Self-Sufficiency Program | Credit: Elijah Valerjev

“It’s important to not just provide rent, but to go further and provide a foundation for independence,” said Dulce Astorga, a program coordinator who meets with participants to assist with their goals. “Those things will set them up for the future. I’m happy to be their cheerleader and to provide the resources to remove barriers,” she said.

Under the Section 8 system, a tenant pays one-third their income for housing, while the voucher pays the remainder. As their income increases, so does their rent. In this program, the amount of the rent increase is matched, and the program puts those funds into an interest-earning escrow account. Upon graduation, the residents gain full access to their funds.

“I just think it’s so good that we can set them up with a nest-egg for the future,” said Astorga.

Even after they graduate from the self-sufficiency program, Astorga lets her clients know they can reach out for help. She said they have about 130-150 residents currently in the program, and they try to get 20-30 to enroll each cycle. Most are referred by case managers, though Astorga accepts anybody motivated to do better.

During the March 17 ceremony, the graduating families sat together at tables draped in navy blue and white tablecloths, sharing stories together, laughing at times and crying at others. Eighteen of the 24 graduates were present for the celebratory dinner, held at the Presidio Springs property of the Housing Authority, a public agency that has secured more than 4,000 units of affordable rental housing for eligible residents since 1969.

Its CEO, Rob Fredericks, complimented the graduates on their success, part of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program’s 25-year track record of empowering families to overcome barriers and achieve economic independence. “Each graduate represents a unique journey and has an equally inspiring story,” said Fredericks. “It demonstrates the profound impact it has had on their lives.”

Keynote speaker Isis Castañeda, a life coach and founder of Creating Connections, told the graduates, “This accomplishment is a testament to your dedication. The journey is not just about your success, but about lifting others up along the way,” said Castañeda. “Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community.”

The ceremony was one of the most populous yet, and each graduate was honored in turn.

Graduate Claudia Cerda said she now manages a local gas station and that her daughter is going to college. | Credit: Elijah Valerjev

Graduate Claudia Cerda said that her daughter had entered and grew up with the program before her, while tutoring other children. Dealing with financial issues as a single mother, Cerda entered the program to gain financial literacy and a higher salary. She has been the operations manager at a local gas station for more than a year, and she spoke proudly of her daughter, now away at college in San Diego.

“I’m at an age where I’m still learning so much,” said Cerda. “I want to strive for more growth.” Cerda added that she has plans to enter higher education in her future.

A round of applause ensued, which was followed by people filing out to the patio for a meal catered by Tacos Luis.