Household asset building program

In Igiugig, a small village of only 69 people on the Kvichak River in southwestern Alaska, resources are scarce. Here, with the support of First Nations Development Institute, this close-knit tribe is finding new ways to develop sustainable food sources, and creating opportunities for young people to succeed. Stewarding the land is an important part of ranching. Native American ranchers work with natural elements from the land, building….

Results show participants in the Compass FSS programs earned more on average and received less in cash welfare payments than their matched peers. The evaluation also found that participants improved their credit scores and reduced their debt, exceeding benchmarks in both areas. FSS is a year-old U. Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD program designed to help recipients of federal rental assistance make progress toward economic security. In addition, Compass FSS offers client-driven financial coaching to help participants build their financial capability and savings, pay down high-interest debt, make progress in achieving their employment goals and improve their credit scores and budgeting.

From combatting infectious disease and conducting rigorous program evaluations, to ensuring safe drinking water and promoting access to affordable housing—and more—we partner with clients and communities to tackle their most complex challenges. The Financial Wellness Program assists clients with establishing personal budgets, evaluating debt loads, setting financial goals, and developing a plan of action.

Services are delivered in a one-on-one and group setting. An Individual Development Account IDA is a matched savings account that enables families with limited financial resources to save and build assets. The Homebuyer Education and Counseling program is designed to help families access and maintain stable homeownership. Services include individualized pre-purchase counseling, group homebuyer education, financial fitness certification, down payment assistance, and post-purchase support.

Assets—or resources—range from savings accounts and business ownership to education and health. Owning a car or a home, college savings and retirement accounts, job skills and social networks: these are all assets too. Life without them is challenging and unpredictable. Life with these assets stabilizes families, increases agency, and strengthens communities. AFN explores and promotes the best ways to build assets, and in this way, build wealth. We seek to dismantle systemic barriers people face when trying to find economic security.

We confront inequity based on race and gender. Without assets, people just make ends meet, living paycheck to paycheck. With assets, people can:.