This section provides information on specialized programming that is only available in specific public housing developments. Currently, the Family Self-Sufficiency program is the only specialized programming offered.

Family Self-Sufficiency program
This program is a voluntary asset building program that focuses on financial literacy and increasing employment opportunities for families in the Victoria Capital Regional District.

The pilot program was first started in 2002, and was based on similar successful programs. In the fall of 2008, the program started its third three-year FSS Program, with a new group of 75 participants. Graduates of the program have shown a steady decrease in their reliance on government assistance and the level of full-time employment has increased dramatically.

The program offers participants:

Opportunities to build savings;
Family Advisor to work alongside each participant;
Goals and action plans co-developed by each participants and his or her family advisor;
Educational and community building meetings;
Financial education and budgeting sessions;
Networking and community connections.

The Burnside Gorge Community Association runs the Family Self-Sufficiency program alongside a number of program supporters, funders, and community partners.

BC Housing provides funding for this project, with additional support from the BC Ministry of Housing and Social Development, Canada Mortgage and Housing (through the Capital Region Housing Corporation), Family Services of Greater Vancouver, and Vancity Savings and Credit Union.

For more information

September 2008 program pamphlet .
To find out more about the Family Self-Sufficiency program, contact (604) 433-1711 or email tenantinquiries@bchousing.org.