Contact: Wendy Younger, 541-918-7313, wendy@L-bha.org; Keonali Hutley, 541-918-7326, Keonali@L-bha.org
For Spanish, contact Michelle Navaro, 541-918-7316

Communities served: Linn and Benton counties

Eligibility criteria: Must be on Section 8 with the Linn-Benton Housing Authority and must enroll in our Family Self-Sufficiency Program. Individuals are limited to two IDAs in their lifetime within the CASA network.

Application process: Information about our IDA program, called VIDA, is included on our FSS flyer that goes out to all Section 8 voucher holders annually. FSS Participants are also told about the VIDA Program (and reminded quarterly in our newsletters). We offer multiple VIDA Orientations throughout the year. To apply for our VIDA Program, participants must attend a VIDA Orientation and complete a Financial Education course. Once those two steps have been completed, they are eligible to complete the VIDA application. We keep interested people on our waiting/interest list and when we are aware of potential funding we send out information and offer IDA funds on a first come, first ready basis.

Average number of IDAs opened each year, in the 3 most recent years: 16-20

Maximum match per asset: $15,000 maximum match; priority for homeownership savers.

Other services provided: Our FSS Program offers case management / coaching towards self-sufficiency goals including asset building. We also assist with credit report reviews and budgeting and provide resource information and connections such as credit builder loans, help with children’s holiday gifts and school clothing, household furniture, special scholarships, and asset training through local partners.