What is PATH?
Pathways Advancing to Hope (PATH) is NSBHA's Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. PATH is a mandatory, five-year employment incentive program for families participating in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program or the Affordable Workforce Housing program. Participants learn to set goals each year toward economic self-sufficiency and receive community resources and support to meet their goals. Participants also have the opportunity to earn money in an escrow account when their earned income increases.
How do I join PATH?
Make an appointment with a PATH Program Coordinator. Contact Your PATH Coordinator Today!
Am I Eligible for the PATH Program?
All HCV and Affordable Workforce Housing adult participants are required to join PATH. However, families must be able to increase their earned income in order to benefit from the escrow incentive and be able to successfully complete the program. Disabled individuals are not required to enroll in the PATH program.
How does the PATH Escrow Work?
When a PATH family increases their earned income, the family is expected to pay a higher percentage of the rent. HUD will put an amount equal to the rental increase into an escrow account each month that the family pays a higher rent amount. For example:
Family Joins PATH
Contract Rent: $500
NSBH Subsidy: $400
Family's Monthly Rental Portion: $100
Escrow Account Per Month: $0
Family Increases Earned Income
Contract Rent: $500
NSBH Subsidy: $200
Family's Monthly Rental Portion: $300
Escrow Account Per Month: $200
What do I need to do to Receive My Escrow?
Families must meet the program goals to be eligible to receive escrow funds. The program goals are:
- Be suitably employed (15 hours or more at minimum wage or higher)
- Be in good standing with NSBHA and your HCV landlord
- Be free of cash welfare assistance at the time of graduation
- Meet the goals that you have set for yourself in the Individual Training and Service Plan
How can I Benefit from PATH?
If you are ready to make the necessary changes in your life to achieve financial self-sufficiency, the PATH program can assist you in making SMART goals, provide you with the support and community resources you need to meet your goals, and give you an opportunity to earn money in a tax-free escrow account.
Do I Have to Use My Escrow to Buy a House?
The escrow that is accrued during PATH participation may be used to meet any financial or personal goals and/or obligations. PATH staff strongly encourage participants to attend financial counseling and budget development classes. If homeownership fits in your lifestyle and you want to purchase a home, that's your choice.
What is an Acceptable PATH Goal?
An acceptable goal is one that is realistic and leads to a participant becoming more self-sufficient and less dependent on entitlement programs.
Please contact:
New Smyrna Beach Housing
Aidan Anderson, BS, CSFSS
PATH Program Administrator
O: 386-603-4803 C: 386-690-0245
