The Marin County Housing Authority on Jan. 14 authorized the executive director to ratify a HUD Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) grant renewal of $446,814 for 2025 and recognized 17 program graduates who received $508,416 in escrow distributions in 2024.

Samantha Kozowski, director of supportive services, said the program had 137 enrolled participants as of Dec. 31, 2024, including 30 Golden Gate Village residents. In 2024 the program enrolled 28 people and graduated 17; graduates’ escrow distributions totaled $508,416, with the two largest distributions noted among the cohort. Kozowski described the program’s services as goal-driven case management, job and education support, credit counseling and homeownership readiness.

FSS coordinators Jackie Mendez, Myra Wallace and Natalie Claussen were introduced at the meeting. Two graduates spoke briefly: one said she paid off a car and credited the program for persistence; another said FSS and the authority’s homeownership pathway helped her buy a home and support family members’ education and careers.

Commissioner Rodoni moved to authorize the executive director to ratify HUD’s 2025 grant award for $446,814; Commissioner Sackett seconded and the board approved the motion unanimously. Kozowski invited attendees to a small reception after the meeting to honor graduates.

Staff said FSS outreach and enrollment would continue in 2025, with targeted sessions at Golden Gate Village and MHA’s main office and additional training for coordinators supported by the HUD grant.