The Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program is
a voluntary initiative that helps families
gain skills to achieve financial
independence. All FSS participants must be
residents of Section 8 Housing Choice
Voucher or Public Housing Program with the
Housing Authority of Maricopa County (HAMC).
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.
Once enrolled, FSS Program Staff discusses
expectations with the Head of Household and
develop 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.
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FSS participant families are encouraged to
seek and retain employment, increase work
wages and a sustained value for saving
money.
Participants also have an FSS Escrow Account
that allows a portion of the wage-based
monthly rent they pay, to be deposited into
the FSS Escrow 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.
HAMC has approximately 75 to 80 clients at
any given time participating in its Section
8 and Public Housing 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.
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