FMHA's Housing Choice Voucher Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program helps eligible individuals acquire the skills and experience they need to obtain employment that earns income, and offers them a unique savings opportunity as their earnings increase, called an escrow account. The Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator works with welfare agencies, schools, businesses, and other local partners to help FSS participants’ access services.

What is the Family Self-Sufficiency Program?

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a voluntary program open to all current Housing Choice Voucher participants on the FMHA’s Housing Choice Voucher program.

FSS assists with:

• Obtaining a high school diploma /GED
• Obtaining a first-job
• Obtaining higher education degree/certifications
• Obtaining a higher paying job
• Budgeting skills
• Obtaining a mortgage through a bank / mortgage lender
• Securing finances for education
• Accomplishing goals that will achieving economic independence

How to Apply for the Family Self Sufficiency Program?

You will need to complete a FSS wait list application if you are interested in participating. Once you have been selected from the waiting list you will receive a letter and short pre-application to complete allowing the FSS Coordinator to evaluate your current situation. After the application is returned the FSS Coordinator will contact you to set up your initial home visit, to sign the FSS Contract.

Following the signing of the contract, you will begin working one on one with the FSS Coordinator to create an outline of goals you want to achieve to become self-sufficient. The program contract is for 5 years to accomplish your goals, with quarterly home visits and monthly contact by phone or email.

The FSS Coordinator provides referrals to supportive services such as:

• Job training
• Employment Counseling
• Educational Services
• Credit Counseling
• Child Care
• Transportation
• Homeownership Counseling

Escrow Account for Qualified Participants

For qualified participants, an escrow account will be established after obtaining earned income or an increase in earned income, causing your rental portion to increase. Once the earned income leads to a rental increase, the FMHA will establish a savings account (called an escrow account). This money previously paid to the landlord, will be placed into an account on a monthly basis, while the family has earned income. Past participants earned a monthly escrow anywhere from $1 to $600 a month and graduates received checks totaling $10,000 or more, at the end of the 5 year contract.

Questions about the program contact:

Heather Currence
(740) 653-6618 extension 240
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.