Family Economic Security Project
2011 NACo Achievement Award Winner
Multnomah County, Ore., OR
Best In Category
About the Program
Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)
Year: 2011
The family Economic Security (FES) project was created in 2007 by Multnomah Coounty to increase the numbers of low- to moderate-income county residents who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) as well as utilize other state and federal tax credit programs. The FES Project effectively addresses the problem of EITC under-utilization that impacts most counties throughout the country. Faced with high unemployment (10.5 percent) and the resulting high demand for county services, the FES Project has successfully provided increased income to working individuals and families. This approach preserves needed county services for those who are unemployed or are unable to work, a population that has little or no access to earned income. The FES project has, so far, served 1,571 households with free tax preparation assistance (as of March 2011).