Are you… Unemployed?

Underemployed?

In School?

Thinking about school or getting your GED?

Affected by Welfare reform?

Are you currently leasing through Fairfield Metropolitan Housing Authority’s Section 8 or Voucher Program?

Then NOW is the time to check out Family Self-Sufficiency Program!

What is the Family Self-Sufficiency Program?

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a voluntary program open to all individuals and families currently under lease and contract through FMHA’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. When you sign up for FSS, you will sign a contract that allows us to work with you for up to five years to develop a plan for you to become financially self-sufficient.

The primary goal for families that join FSS is to seek and maintain suitable employment and to become independent of cash assistance from Job and Family Services.  (You can still maintain the medical card, rental assistance, child care and food stamps) You will meet with the FSS Coordinator and set both long and short term personal goals. The Coordinator will link you with the community resources that can assist you in accomplishing your goals and reduce the barriers that have stopped you from reaching the goals in the past. This is a positive support program that will allow you to create a new way of life for your family.

How do I apply?

Applying is easy! You need to fill out a waiting list application. That’s it. You can request one be mailed to you along with some information about the program or you can come to the office and fill one out.

(Note: you must be receiving rental assistance with the Housing Choice Voucher Program to be placed on the waiting list)

What happens after I apply?

When we receive your waiting list application your name will be placed onto the waiting list.  When your name is pulled from the waiting list, we will send you an application for the program. You will need to return the application and set up your case management.

What is in this for me?

When you participant in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program you are given one on one case management. The Coordinator and the family will discuss what goals the family needs to accomplish to become self-sufficient. These goals are updated every 3 months in order to KEEP MOVING FORWARD toward your final goal for your family.

If that is not enough for you to want to join this program we have another great incentive; The ESCROW account.  Families that join FSS are eligible for money to be deposited in an escrow account, which is like a savings account. The amount of money deposited is a direct result of you paying more in rent due to earning more income. This account will be maintained by FMHA and interest will grow. When you graduate from the FSS program, you will be given the balance of this account. You can use this money to purchase a home, pay for your education, purchase a new car, or anything that your family may need.