FMHA's Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program helps eligible individuals acquire the skills and experience they need to obtain work that pays a living wage, then offers them a unique savings opportunity as their earnings increase called an escrow account. Our 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 Public Housing participants.

FSS assists participants in:

• 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

The FSS Coordinator provides referrals to supportive services such as:

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

You will need to complete an FSS Waiting List pre-application if you are interested in participating. Once you have been selected from the Waiting List you will begin working one-on-one with the FSS Coordinator to create an outline of goals you want to achieve.

To accommodate your schedule, the Coordinator will come to your home on a quarterly basis. Months that you do not meet, you will need to have contact by phone or email.

For qualified participants, an escrow (savings) account will be established. For those obtaining better- paying jobs or increases in employment, a portion of the increase in earned income will be credited to the escrow account. Upon successful completion of the program, you can use this money for anything you wish such as down payment on a home, a new car, or paying for college.

An added bonus for Public Housing participants:

Family members actively working toward economic self-sufficiency will be eligible for an Earned Income Disallowance (EID). EID ensures that residents are not penalized for obtaining better employment while participating in the FSS program. All increases in earned income will not be included towards rent calculations for the first 12 months. During months 13-24, only 50% of the income will be included towards rent calculations. This means no rental increases for at least one year!!

Questions about the program contact:

Amy Swartz
(740) 653-6618 Extension 234
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.