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Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a HUD program that encourages communities to develop local strategies to help public housing residents and voucher families obtain employment that will lead to economic independence and self-sufficiency. RHE works with social service agencies, schools, businesses, and other local partners to develop a comprehensive program that gives participating FSS family members the skills and experience to enable them to obtain employment that pays a living wage.

FSS program services may include:

• Child Care
• Transportation
• Education
• Job training and employment counseling
• Referral to substance/alcohol abuse treatment or counseling
• Household skill training
• Homeownership counseling

Who is Eligible?

All of RHE‘s Housing Choice Voucher Program participants and Public Housing residents are eligible to be considered for the FSS Program.

What requirements must a family meet to participate in the program?

RHE and the head of household of each participating family execute an FSS contract of participation that establishes the rights and responsibilities of both parties. The 5-year FSS contract specifies goals and services for each family. Family members must fulfill all requirements in order to obtain full benefits.

What are the benefits to be obtained?

In addition to the services that may be provided to enable a FSS participant to meet his or her goals, an interest-bearing FSS escrow account is established by RHE for each participating family. An escrow credit, based on increases in earned income of the family, is credited to this account by RHE during the term of the FSS contract. If the family completes the contract and no member of the family is receiving cash welfare assistance, the amount of the FSS account is paid to the head of the family. If the family fails to complete the contract before its expiration, the family’s FSS escrow funds are forfeited.

FSS Program Successes

RHE has had numerous FSS graduates. In some circumstance, the escrow funds paid to these graduates enabled them to purchase homes and others were able to start businesses or eliminate debt in order to enable them to achieve homeownership. RHE is very proud of all of its FSS graduates.

FSS Program Coordinator Information

To discuss possible enrollment in the FSS program, contact:
Public Housing Program: Florence Cole, (301) 424-6265
Housing Choice Voucher Program: Jean Caraway, (301) 424-6265