Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)-Presentation

Presentation - Family Self-Sufficiency

Pdf Summary

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, managed under HUD regulations (24 CFR part 984), aims to help low-income families in public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs achieve economic independence by increasing earned income, reducing dependence on welfare, and ultimately graduating from the program. The program integrates public and private resources through local strategies and supportive services, coordinated by Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) or owners.<br /><br />Key components include a HUD-approved Action Plan outlining program goals, participant selection procedures (including permissible motivational screening), incentives, supportive services, grievance processes, and coordination with workforce and community programs. Programs must establish a Program Coordinating Committee (PCC) involving public housing representatives, participants, and local service providers to secure resources and implement the plan.<br /><br />Participants enter into a Contract of Participation (CoP) with a term up to five years, during which they set individualized interim and final goals, typically requiring family members to become welfare-independent and the head of household to seek and maintain suitable employment. The contract can be extended for good cause.<br /><br />Case management uses strength-based assessments and motivational interviewing to identify barriers and supports. Participants earn escrow savings accounts credited on rent increases resulting from income growth, encouraging progress toward self-sufficiency. Escrow funds are managed in interest-bearing accounts and disbursed upon successful graduation; forfeited escrow goes toward assisting families in good standing.<br /><br />FSS coordinators play a central role in recruitment, assessment, goal setting, coordination of services, monitoring, reporting, and escrow management. The program encourages marketing through various outreach strategies, including peer support and informational materials.<br /><br />Portability allows families to continue participation upon moving, with escrow accounts handled according to agreements between originating and receiving PHAs.<br /><br />Performance is measured by the FSS Achievement Metric (FAM), which evaluates earnings growth, graduation rates, and participation levels using data reported through HUD’s PIC/IMS systems. Monitoring and compliance are ongoing, with HUD field offices conducting oversight.<br /><br />The program also includes a homeownership option allowing voucher holders to use subsidies for mortgage expenses under certain eligibility conditions.<br /><br />Comprehensive training and certification for staff emphasize regulatory compliance, case management best practices, accurate escrow calculations, contract execution, program evaluation, and reporting.

Keywords

Family Self-Sufficiency Program

HUD regulations

public housing

Housing Choice Voucher

economic independence

Program Coordinating Committee

Contract of Participation

escrow savings account

case management

FSS Achievement Metric