A new statewide program aims to help. Those who qualify can open goal-specific savings accounts, in which every $1 they contribute will be matched by $3.

The individual development accounts will be offered through five organizations that work with low-income clients, such as the Housing Authority of Salt Lake City, which will help participants save for a down payment.

Qualifying for an account will depend on what a family is saving for and the requirements set by donors of the matching funds. Families may qualify while earning up to 80 percent of their median area income. For a family of four on the Wasatch Front, that's $44,900.

The program is made possible through the newly organized Utah Individual Development Account Network - a coalition of local businesses, banks, nonprofit groups and individuals. Gov. Olene Walker and Utah Jazz basketball star Andrei Kirilenko kicked off the program Thursday at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Before an account can be opened, participants will receive training to help them decide the most financially sound path. If they get an account, they will have regular contact with financial advisers and a case manager.

"In the long run, I believe the strength of this program is building people's financial skills," said Martha Wunderli of Utah Issues, Center for Poverty Research and Action, which organized the network.

The accounts can be used to save for a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 36.

Federally funded individual development accounts began in 1993 and are now found in 49 states. Salt Lake Neighborhood Housing Services introduced Utah's first accounts in 2002.

Utah was one of nine states that saw a significant increase in poverty rates for 2001-2002, according to the center. Almost one-fifth of Utahns do not have sufficient net worth to survive for three months without income, it said.

Who qualifies?

Low-income Utah residents 18 and older who apply through one of five partner agencies:

l Salt Lake Community Action Program in Salt Lake City, serving Salt Lake and Tooele counties;

l Housing Authority of Salt Lake City;

l Erin Kimball Foundation of St. George, serving Washington, Iron, Kane, Garfield and Beaver counties;

l Community Action Services of Provo, serving Utah, Wasatch and Summit counties;

l Family Connection Center of Clearfield, serving Davis County.

For more information about an individual development account, contact Martha Wunderli at 801-521-2035, extension 119.