Building a Brighter Future: How LifeSTEPS and the FSS Program Helped BreAnna Achieve Homeownership

Building a Brighter Future: How LifeSTEPS and the FSS Program Helped BreAnna Achieve Homeownership

When BreAnna left the Army and transitioned to civilian life, she faced an uphill battle. Without a strong support system, she struggled to find stability and eventually sought temporary shelter at the Julian Street Inn in San Jose. But this difficult chapter in her life set the stage for an incredible transformation.

While staying at the shelter, BreAnna learned about LifeSTEPS and the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program, which help individuals and families in affordable housing build financial independence. In 2018, she secured a HUD-VASH voucher and moved into a Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) community served by LifeSTEPS. There, she connected with Denelle Fedor, a LifeSTEPS case manager, who encouraged her to enroll in SCCHA’s FSS program and guided her on a path toward long-term stability.

With Denelle’s support, BreAnna took charge of her future. She earned a dispatcher certification, secured a job with U-Haul, and within a year, received a promotion. U-Haul also provided her with in-company housing, allowing her to save money and take meaningful steps toward her lifelong dream—homeownership.

Even after she moved, Denelle remained a steady source of encouragement. Through the FSS program, she continued to coach BreAnna toward financial independence. “I believe that initiatives like the FSS program, with support from compassionate individuals like Denelle and the staff at LifeSTEPS, empower those who may otherwise feel forgotten or overlooked,” BreAnna shared. “Denelle served as my coach and case manager. If I didn’t have her during this time, I probably would have been lost and wouldn’t be where I am today.”

By 2023, BreAnna set her sights on owning a home—and on February 30th, she officially closed on her first home in Sacramento, becoming the first in her immediate family to achieve this milestone. The day held even greater significance, as it was also her father’s birthday. “That makes this process even more beautiful,” she said.

Now settled in her new home, BreAnna is focused on giving back. Inspired by her own experiences, she hopes to support other veterans facing similar challenges and is currently pursuing a role with the VA to help fellow veterans on their path to stability. “I want to help others grow, just like Denelle helped me,” she shares.

BreAnna’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, perseverance, and the life-changing impact of support programs like LifeSTEPS and FSS. Through determination and the right resources, she turned obstacles into opportunities—and now, she’s committed to helping others do the same.

About the FSS Program:

The FSS program promotes the development of local strategies to coordinate public and private resources that help housing choice voucher program participants, public housing tenants, and tenants in the Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) program obtain employment that will enable participating families to achieve economic independence and reduce dependence on welfare assistance and rental subsidies. The program consists of goal development, case management and escrow credit to eligible head of household participants. The program is voluntary, and participants are required to meet their goals in a five-year term.