Community Connections - Bremerton Housing Authority

Meet the TeamProject F.R.E.E. (FSS)Resident OpportunitiesCommunity Connections ProgramsFlyersClassesMonthly NewsletterHelpful Links

Meet Our Community Connections Team

Bremerton Housing Authority’s Community Connections Team works to promote self-sufficiency by providing job search, specialized programs, and comprehensive support services to residents. Support services aim to promote independence through building skills and confidence. Schedule an appointment with any member of the team and we will be happy to assist you.

Leif Wagner, Community Connections Manager
(360) 479-3694
lwagner@bremertonhousing.org

Dina Pearson, F.S.S. Coordinator: Project F.R.E.E
(360) 473-0333
dpearson@bremertonhousing.org

Lisa Quinn-Hulley, Community Programs Coordinator
(360) 616-7220
lquinn-hulley@bremertonhousing.org

Christine Townley, Community Resources Coordinator
(360) 616-7167
ctownley@bremertonhousing.org

Project F.R.E.E. – The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program for Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) holders

What is FSS?
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program is a voluntary work-based program designed to enable eligible families to increase their earned income and become more economically self-sufficient and less dependent on various forms of governmental assistance. In collaboration with local community agencies and businesses, the FSS program combines case management, educational opportunities, job training, and ongoing support to assist families in creating positive changes in their lives.

How Does It Work?
The FSS program assists families in establishing individual goals, identifying potential barriers to those goals, and developing and implementing a plan of action for achieving those goals. Each family signs an FSS Contract of Participation with Bremerton Housing Authority which outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties involved. Each contract term is typically 5 years and includes an individualized plan outlining the family’s goals, planned action steps, and the services and resources needed by the family to achieve those goals. The FSS program assists the family by providing coordination of available community resources and services as needed.

FSS Program Resources & Services
Information Coming Soon! We are scheduled to meet in the coming months to establish an up-to-date network for resources, referrals, and services.

Why FSS?
Upon the execution of a Contract of Participation, Bremerton Housing Authority establishes an interest-bearing escrow account for that family. As the family accesses the resources and services available through the program, the desired outcome is that the family’s earned income will increase. During the family’s participation in the FSS program, any increase in the family’s rent associated with an increase in earned income results in a credit to the family’s escrow account. Once a family graduates from the program, they may access the escrow account for their own personal use- including home ownership.

FSS Program Eligibility
Anyone 18 years of age or older and currently receiving a Bremerton Housing Authority Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) is eligible to participate in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program.

Enrolling in the FSS Program
BHA Housing Specialists refer participants to the program, or you can call BHA directly at 360-479-3694 to inquire about next steps.

The Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Program

ROSS is a resource available to residents of Public Housing. The ROSS Coordinator helps to facilitate supportive services and other activities designed to help Public Housing residents attain economic and housing self-sufficiency, as well as aging in place for those who meet the criteria.

Services are available for residents who live in public housing communities that are owned by Bremerton Housing Authority. Available services include referrals for job training, financial literacy, wellness programs, basic education, career advancement and other supportive services for long-term economic self-sufficiency.

Community Connections Programs

Bremerton Housing Authority has a community resource team to serve the residents of the following BHA-owned properties:

Bay Vista South
Bay Vista West
Casa del Sol
Charter House
The Firs
Shadow Creek
The Summit
Tamarack
Tara Heights
Winfield
Wright Court

Flyers

The following flyers are available to print, download, and share:

Classes

All our classes are open to community members of Kitsap County and beyond. Please join us! Reach out to anyone on the team for questions about the classes offered.

Year-Round Classes:

Mondays	No current offerings
Tuesdays	Smart Phone Classes 11am – 12pm at The Summit Computer Classes 1pm – 2pm at The Charter House
Wednesdays	Smart Phone Classes 9:15am -10:15am at Hostmark Computer Classes 11am – 12pm at Village Green
Thursdays	Computer Classes 11am – 12pm at The Summit Smart Phone Classes 1pm – 2pm at The Charter House
Fridays	No current offerings