Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program

What is the Family Self-Sufficiency Program?

FSS is a program designed to provide services which promote employment and self-sufficiency for Housing Choice Voucher participants.

There are two main features to FSS: 

1. Escrow account:

Housing Choice Voucher participants succeed in raising their income (through pay increases, changing jobs, etc.), the portion of the rent they are responsible for also increases.  These increases result in money being deposited into an interest-bearing escrow account.

2. Case Management

Each family in the FSS program is provided with a case manager.  The case manager works with the family to develop an FSS contract and help the family access supportive services in the community.  The nature of the services vary from program to program.  Among the services that families can access through some FSS programs are transportation, credit and money counseling, and educational programs.
 

What are the Main Reasons for Families to Participate in FSS?

1. Accumulation of Assets.  The FSS program gives families an opportunity to realize the full benefit of increased earnings.  While FSS participants still must pay increased rental charges when their incomes increase, the portion of the rent increase attributable to higher earnings goes into their escrow accounts, rather than to the housing agency.  Although each family’s experience will be different, some families have accumulated as much as $10,000 in their escrow accounts.
    

2. Access to Services.  The FSS coordinator or case manager will assess the needs of each family and develop an individual training and service plan with the head of the household.  FSS case managers may be able to help families obtain such services as transportation, low-cost work clothing, and/or job training.

Who is Eligible to Participate in FSS?

1. It varies by housing agency.  Most FSS programs serve families in the Housing Choice Voucher program.  Some housing agencies also run FSS programs for families in public housing.  Families living in other forms of subsidized housing are not eligible.
    

2. Families do not have to be on welfare or any other type of assistance to qualify.

Contact Information:
Administration Center
224 Ballard Street/P. O. Box 532
Yorktown, VA 23690-0532
Phone:  (757) 890-3885
Email

BACK