What is The Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program?

The Family Self Sufficiency program helps families who participate in HAMC’s Housing Choice Voucher Program and HUD-assisted Multifamily housing to increase their earnings and build assets and financial capability.

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.

What happens when I enroll?

Once enrolled, FSS Program Staff discusses expectations with the Head of Household and develops 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.

FSS participant families are encouraged to seek and retain employment, increase work wages and a sustained value for saving money.

Participants also have the opportunity to open FSS Escrow Account that allows a portion of the wage-based monthly rent they pay, to be deposited into the 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.

How many clients does HAMC service?

HAMC has approximately 75 to 80 clients at any given time participating in its 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.