The Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program is a voluntary initiative that helps families
gain skills to achieve financial independence. All FSS participants must be residents
of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher or Public Housing Program with the Housing Authority
of Maricopa County (HAMC).
FSS provides individual Case Management services through referrals to local support
partners. FSS participants receive guidance on education, job fairs, personal development
workshops, money management, wealth building and Homeownership.
Once enrolled, FSS Program Staff discusses expectations with the Head of Household
and develop an Individual Training and Service Plan (ITSP). The ITSP focuses on
the family's Self-Sufficiency goals over a five-year period. A formal contract is
also signed between the Head-of-Household and HAMC. The contract further supports
achieving all of the FSS goals.
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FSS participant families are encouraged to seek and retain employment, increase
work wages and a sustained value for saving money.
Participants also have an FSS Escrow Account that allows a portion of the wage-based
monthly rent they pay, to be deposited into the FSS Escrow Account. Statements are
sent to participants with the escrow balance on an annual basis. In accordance with
HUD requirements, the account is made available to the participant once the contract
is successfully completed.
HAMC has approximately 75 to 80 clients at any given time participating in its Section
8 and Public Housing FSS programs.
Many FSS Program graduates have accumulated anywhere from $4,000-$18,000 in their
accounts and have moved from subsidized housing, obtained solid careers, completed
their College education and purchased homes.
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