Allou Senin Don Mello first joined the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles’s (HACLA) Section 8 Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program five years ago in 2012. He was a certified nurse but was not able to find a job before he joined the program. His goals after joining the FSS program were to renew his Certified Nurse Assistant license and find a full time job in the medical field.
Five years later, Don Mello met all his goals and he is now working full time as a Certified Nurse Assistant earning $34,320 and found a second job for $23,471, annually. Mello was able to transition out of the program.
The FSS Program is designed to help Section 8 participant families identify and reach their educational and career goals by connecting them to services and resources in the community that can help them achieve economic self-sufficiency. Upon enrollment, FSS families have access to job search assistance, referrals to available trainings, employment opportunities, and on-going case management services. The FSS program also gives participant families the opportunity to qualify for a special savings (escrow) account.
Don Mello expressed his gratitude. “Because of the FSS program, I was able to renew my CAN license and now I am financially stable to pay my own rent.”
Don Mello is currently getting ready to move into his new apartment.