Family Self-Sufficiency Program

What's standing between you and economic independance?

What is the Family Self-Sufficiency Program?

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) is an innovative, voluntary program that helps Section 8 participants achieve economic independence over a five-year period. Participants work with a case manager, to assess their strengths, identify barriers, set goals and achieve them.

Who is eligible?

Section 8 participants whose goal is economic independence are eligible to participate in the program. Once the person who is head or co-head of the household signs an FSS Contract of Participation, all family members in the home who are 18 years or older are also eligible for services.

What are the benefits to you and your family?

Through the FSS Program, you can develop your job skills and gain the training you need to achieve economic independence. With your case manager as your advocate, you and other adult family members will access the resources you need to achieve short-term and long-term goals.

How does this savings account work?

Normally, when income increases and you live in subsidized housing, your rent will increase. However, if you parficipate in the FSS program and your earned income increases, the Housing Office will put a portion of your rent increase into an escrow savings account.

When you accomplish your goal of self-sufficiency within the period of your FSS contract, you will graduate and receive the money in your escrow savings account which will have earned interest.

How long is the program?

You may participate in the FSS program for up to five years. In some cases, FSS may extend the contract for two more years. You will graduate from FSS when you have achieved self-sufficiency -- that means when you no longer need public assistance, food stamps, medical assistance or subsidized child care.

For more information and how to enroll, call 410-853-3312

Revised August 17, 2004