FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program, commonly known as FSS, is a five (5) year program designed to help families improve their economic situations and reduce their dependence on welfare programs. The program serves families in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program as well as those who are Public Housing (PH) eligible. Participants will have an assigned FSS coordinator to work with them during their time in the program. Each participant will develop an Individual Training and Services Plan (ITSP) that lists specific goals and activities one must meet in order to achieve economic independence. All program participants will have a final goal of seeking and maintaining suitable employment.

FSS Program Requirements

• Participants must sign a Contract of Participation (COP) and an individual training and service plan (ITSP); which requires one to be employed and to be free of welfare at graduation.
• The contract term is five years or the completion of all identified goals.
• PH participants must meet with FSS coordinator on a quarterly basis – HCV must meet at least bi-annually.
• Participants must comply with the terms of their lease, including on-time rental payments.
• Participants must maintain their units and demonstrate good housekeeping skills.
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Benefits of Enrolling in FSS

• • FSS assists in the following areas: Building/restoring credit, Budget development, Asset building, Obtaining GED, Resume preparation, Job preparation (new/better), Career development, Post-secondary/Vocational education…and many others.
  • Supportive services are offered as needed, to eliminate any barriers to economic independence.

                  Transportation assistance
                   Childcare assistance
                   Employment counseling
                   Homeownership counseling
                   Job training

         One on one case management services with FSS coordinator

   

  • PH residents have access to all the above and other techniques to assist in increasing earned income and building financial stability.
  • HCV participants may establish interest bearing savings accounts (Escrow), without having to put any money in themselves.

  Money is deposited into an account whenever the participant’s rent increases (Rent at beginning of program – whatever rent increases to during interim/annual exam = Amount deposited into account each month)

  Participants may receive interim disbursements while in the program.

  Participants receive full payout at the end of program, so long as all goals are met.

  Most participants complete the program with $2000 plus in escrow accounts – This money is paid directly to the participant in the form of a check. Participant may use for whatever he/she chooses.

RESIDENT OPPORTUNITIES AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY

Jackson Housing Authority currently administers a Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) program for its Allenton Heights residents. ROSS links residents of public housing to supportive services and activities, enabling them to make progress towards economic independence and housing self-sufficiency.

Resident Advisory Board/Resident Association

Resident involvement is of the utmost importance. Without you, we don’t have the opportunity to serve. If you are interested in being of part of JHA’s RAB or RA, contact one of the FSS coordinators at 731-422-1671. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at a future meeting.