What is a key function of the Assets for Independence (AFI) program?

The key function of the Assets for Independence (AFI) program is enabling a community-based approach to help families out of poverty. This program is designed to assist low-income individuals and families in building and accumulating assets, which is essential for economic independence and stability. By fostering community involvement and a supportive network, the AFI program encourages participants to save money and invest in their future through matched savings accounts known as Individual Development Accounts (IDAs).

The focus is on empowering families to set financial goals and achieve them by providing the necessary training, tools, and resources within their community. This approach not only helps individuals escape poverty but also promotes long-term financial security and resilience.

Providing direct financial aid, administering healthcare services, or running child welfare programs, while important aspects of social support, do not encapsulate the primary mission of the AFI program. Its distinctiveness lies in its emphasis on asset-building and community engagement as mechanisms for poverty alleviation, making option B the correct choice.