FSS Program

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program offers employment and other case management services designed to promote economic self-sufficiency for families currently participating in the Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing Programs. FSS Participants develop specific economic goals, via their Individual Training and Services Plan, and work with an FSS Coordinator to identify activities and services to help achieve these goals over a five-year period.

One of the benefits of the FSS program is an interest-bearing escrow account that is established by the Housing Authority in the name of each participating family. An escrow credit is based on increases in earned income that is credited to this account by the housing authority during the term of the FSS contract.

Upon fulfillment of the five-year program and completion of the goals listed on the Individual Training and Services Plan, families receive the funds in the escrow account.

NOTE: Residents of HHA Public Housing are also eligible to participate in all parts of FSS except for its Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program.

• Job Training and Employment Counseling 
• Child Care
• Transportation
• Education
• Substance/alcohol abuse treatment or counseling
• Household skill training
• Homeownership Counseling 

Things you should know about the FSS Program:

• Families must be currently receiving rental assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher or Public Housing Program.
• Families must respond to any interest letter or notices sent by the Housing Authority.
• Families must attend an orientation scheduled by the Housing Authority.
• Families must complete and adhere to an Individual Training and Service Plan, which identifies goals and outlines specific activities and services over the five-year contractual period. 
• Families must work closely with the assigned FSS Coordinator to complete set goals.
• Families may have the opportunity to establish an escrow savings account.
• Any member of the household who is a participant of the Housing Choice Voucher or Public Housing Program and included on the lease may participate in the FSS Program.
• A family may be selected for partcipation whether or not family members are employed
• A family may be denied the opportunity to participate if they previously participated and were terminated for not meeting the FSS Program obligations.