Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)-Participant Guide

Participant Guide - Family Self-Sufficiency

Pdf Summary

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program is a HUD initiative designed to promote economic independence and self-sufficiency among families receiving housing assistance. The primary objective is to utilize public and private resources to help families improve their financial situations, decrease reliance on government aid, and ultimately increase their earned income. The FSS program combines affordable housing support with additional services aimed at holistic career development and personal growth.<br /><br />Key elements of the FSS program include:<br /><br />1. **Action Plans and Program Requirements**: Each participating Housing Authority or housing program must have a HUD-approved Action Plan detailing local objectives, strategies, services, and the coordination needed with other welfare, employment, and non-profit agencies. Family training and service plans (ITSPs) are tailored individually, outlining specific goals and resources for each household.<br /><br />2. **Program Coordination and Evaluation**: A Program Coordinating Committee (PCC) is established to support FSS goals. This body assists in securing resources and ensuring the effective operation of the program to track family progress and outcome metrics like increased earnings and reduced dependency on social welfare.<br /><br />3. **Escrow Accounts**: Participants incrementally increase their earned income, which is then met with escrow credit deposited into an interest-bearing account. These funds are disbursed upon program graduation or when families meet their obligations under the Contract of Participation (CoP).<br /><br />4. **Escrow and Rent Calculation**: An updated calculation method is used for escrow contributions and there are provisions for the use of forfeited escrow funds for community benefit. Rent contributes to how much escrow can accumulate, presenting structural incentives for income growth.<br /><br />5. **Graduation and Monitoring**: Families graduate by fulfilling their contractual requirements without receiving welfare assistance. Extensive program monitoring supports performance assessments through metrics like a composite score comprising earnings, participation, and graduation rates.<br /><br />Overall, the FSS program is strategically aligned and operates through coordinated community partnerships to support housing-assisted families in achieving substantial socioeconomic gains.

Keywords

Family Self-Sufficiency

HUD initiative

economic independence

housing assistance

Action Plans

Program Coordination

Escrow Accounts

Contract of Participation

graduation

community partnerships