An Arlington mother has become the first to benefit from a new federal housing program designed to help Section 8 families become self sufficient and realize the dream of home ownership.

The Section 8 Program is a federal program that provides rental assistance to low income families. Its Family Self-Sufficiency Program promotes homeownership.

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program assists eligible families with vocational and educational assistance, employment training and preparation for home ownership. It allows families to use the Section 8 voucher to make mortgage payments for up to 15 years. The program is administered locally by the Arlington Housing Authority.

According to AHA Executive Director Sandra Gonzales, the AHA enlisted the assistance of the Neighborhood Housing Services, a local non-profit organization, to help the new homeowner complete the application process for the mortgage loan. NHS helped the first-time homebuyer with credit counseling, down payment and closing costs.

"The Arlington Housing Authority is proud of our participant’s efforts to become self sufficient and provide a permanent home for her children," Gonzales said. "This program is giving more people the impetus they need to achieve dreams."

The new homeowner is a single mother of two who selected a home in south Arlington. She is employed full time and attends Tarrant County College. For purposes of confidentiality, the homeowner’s name and address are not published. A news conference is being planned.