Jasmine Talada, Site Manager at Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority, is looking forward to her upcoming graduation from the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program.
For the last two years, Talada has been working to build up her credit and taking classes on budgeting, credit, and homeownership, among others. These courses are helping her to reach her next goal- buying the home she is currently in.
In 2004, she got her housing choice voucher after deciding she “had to do something” following a period of homelessness and time in drug court. In 2018, she began her employment at RRHA, her first stable job. The position was advertised to be a month-long employment opportunity; however, when the month came to a close, she was moved to a different position. In her four months working for the housing authority, thanks to her great work ethic and ability to learn quickly, Human Resources helped place her in a permanent, clerical position in Jobs Plus.
Shortly after her move to Jobs Plus, Talada was encouraged to apply for the assistant site manager opening at Villages at Lincoln, a location that made it mandatory for residents to be in the FSS program. Talada learned more about the program in her position and signed herself up.
“The FSS Program helped me to learn how to be successful,” Talada said. “It also helped in areas like childcare, employment and other resources, and classes on good budgeting, saving, and spending practices.”
Since the time she first got her voucher, Talada, a single mom since she was sixteen years old, knew that she wanted to work hard to make sure she wasn’t on the voucher forever and taking away from someone else’s opportunity. She credits her co-workers, turned mentors, for keeping her motivated thanks to their support and helpfulness.
“I am where I’m supposed to be because I’ve always wanted to help people get the start they need to better their lives,” Talada said.
RRHA employee sets example for residents and clients
