SHA Celebrates First Family Self-Sufficiency Graduate in Over Five Years
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Karoll Kuri, Public Relations Manager
504 N. First, Sanford, NC 27330
910.723.7655 l  [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sanford Housing Authority Celebrates First Family Self-Sufficiency Graduate in Over Five Years
Sanford, NC - The Sanford Housing Authority (SHA) proudly announces the graduation of Latora McNeill from its Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, marking the agency's first FSS graduation in more than five years. On Friday, January 30, 2026, the SHA will celebrate McNeill at the Gilmore Terrace Community Center, located at 200 Church Street, Sanford, NC 27330, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
McNeill completed the program in less than the standard five-year timeframe, demonstrating exceptional determination and serving as an inspiration to current and future participants. The event is being sponsored by Fidelity Bank and Premier Contracting Professionals, with Pastor Scott Lyerly, principal owner of Premier, serving as the guest speaker.
A Remarkable Journey of Achievement
McNeill joined the FSS Program on July 20, 2023, and quickly began pursuing her self-sufficiency goals. She completed a HUD-approved Homebuyer Education Course through Brick Capital CDC in February 2025 and earned a BioWork Program certificate from Central Carolina Community College in July 2023. These achievements reflect her commitment to advancing her education, career, and overall financial well-being.
"The Family Self-Sufficiency Program is not a sprint; it's a marathon. It's not how you start; it's how you finish," said Dr. Michael C. Threatt, CEO of the Sanford Housing Authority. "Ms. Latora McNeill represents someone who was determined to reach her goals with tenacity and perseverance."
Dr. Threatt also acknowledged the essential support provided by Chief Operating Officer Amanda Pruitt, Resident Services Manager Brandie Meekins, and Resident Services Coordinator Christina Barrow, who all played key roles in helping McNeill reach this milestone.
How the Family Self-Sufficiency Program Creates Opportunity
The five-year FSS Program is a HUD-supported initiative designed to help Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and public housing residents increase their income, build financial assets, and reduce reliance on public assistance. Through personalized case management, participants set goals related to employment, education, savings, and personal development. As they grow their earned income, a portion of their rental increase is placed into an escrow account, which becomes available to them upon completing the program. Many graduates use these funds to invest in homeownership, entrepreneurship, or continued education. The FSS Program has an advisory group of committed local social service agency partners, the Program Coordinating Committee (PCC), which the SHA is currently recruiting for to help fill capacity gaps.
A Pathway Toward Homeownership
During her time on the FSS Program, McNeill shared her intention to transition her rental subsidy into SHA's HCV Homeownership Program. SHA is actively revising its homeownership policy, last updated in 2017, to make the program more accessible to families working toward home ownership. SHA anticipates new partnerships with Fidelity Bank, Brick Capital CDC, and Habitat for Humanity of the Sanford Area to strengthen pathways to homeownership for residents in the City of Sanford and Lee County.
Historic Growth in Resident Services Funding
SHA is poised to bring in more than $2 million in Resident Services funding as part of its long-term vision for resident empowerment. This includes the agency's fifth FSS grant award totaling $148,624, a $272,250 ROSS grant application, and a $1.6 million Jobs Plus grant submitted in December 2025. These investments will significantly expand resident access to workforce development, financial literacy coaching, health and wellness support, and education.
Economic Hubs: A One-Stop Model for Resident Success
To deliver more accessible and impactful services, SHA is launching Economic Hubs; innovative hybrid spaces created by converting offline units into one-stop resource centers. These hubs will integrate FSS, ROSS, Jobs Plus, and additional resident services into a convenient, community-centered model. Residents will be able to access job readiness training, mental health resources, educational support, and financial coaching in one location.
SHA's network of community partners continues to expand, including NC Works, Central Carolina Community College, Trillium Health Resources, The Place to Heal, Partnerships for Children & Families, Life Springs Dream & Restoration Center, Fidelity Bank, Brick Capital CDC, Habitat for Humanity of the Sanford Area, and Premier Contracting Professionals.
Celebrating Accomplishment and Advancing SHA's Vision
The graduation ceremony illustrates SHA's vision of collaboration and continuing the "Better Together" mantra by bringing together residents, staff, and community partners to celebrate McNeill's achievements and highlight SHA's ongoing commitment to building economic mobility pathways for families. Her success reflects the broader impact of SHA's efforts to shift affordable housing from a shelter-based model to an opportunity-based model that supports self-sufficiency, growth, and long-term financial stability.
As SHA advances its Roadmap 2030 Strategic Plan, the agency remains focused on the Resident Services Goal, which ensures that residents have the resources, partnerships, and support systems needed to thrive. The Sanford Housing Authority is committed to redefining what a housing authority can be through innovation, empowerment, public-private partnerships, and community-based solutions.
For more information about the Family Self-Sufficiency Program or other resident services, visit www.SHA-NC.org.
