The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) is a program designed to promote economic self-sufficiency among participating families. By helping families develop skills, education, and self-confidence. The FSS program can assist families in changing their overall financial status. Eligible families are connected with the appropriate supportive services and resources in their communities in order to move the family toward economic self-sufficiency. Possible services include housing, childcare, education, job training, counseling, budgeting, transportation and substance/alcohol abuse counseling. Support services will vary depending on the individual or family need.
Graduating from the FSS Program
The FSS Contract is a five (5) year contract. The individual or family will set five goals as a part of their contract. Upon completion of the five goals, you will be prepared to graduate from the FSS program. When all goals have been completed, the individual or family will have completed their FSS Contract and will receive the money set aside from their escrow savings account (see in FAQ).
WMHA will provide:
- Staff support in setting goals and overcoming barriers.
- Referrals to services and programs.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Job search strategies, employment leads, career planning, interview skill building.
- Information on homeownership, and MUCH more!
Frequently Asked Questions
| What are the requirements? | You must be a participant on the Housing Choice Voucher program or Section 8 program with a desire to become self-sufficient. |
| How will FSS help me? | You will benefit by developing the skills, education, and self-confidence needed to become self-sufficient. In addition, an escrow savings account will be set up for you after you become employed and as your earnings increase. |
| What is an “Escrow Savings Account”? | An escrow savings account is a special account for holding specific monies for disbursement under specific conditions. Once you either begin working or your current working income increases, your escrow begins. Each time you have an increase in earned income that causes your portion of your rent to increase, WMHA will deposit the difference in total tenant payment to an escrow savings account on your behalf. This is the money you will receive, tax free, upon successful completion of your FSS contract goals. |
| What will be expected from me? | After signing the Contract of Participation, it is up to the individual or family to start on the path toward self-sufficiency with the support of WMHA staff. This plan may involve finishing school or participation in a job training program before searching for employment. As you complete your goals you will be required to provide documentation of your progress. Each individual or family will be required to attend quarterly meetings with the FSS Coordinator to evaluate progress and discuss any assistance you may need in moving forward. |
If you are a participant in the Housing Choice Voucher program and have a desire to become self-sufficient, then this may be the program for you!
For additional information please contact Wayne MHA.
Request for Reasonable Accommodations
A person with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to facilitate participation in the FSS program. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Request should be initially tp the FSS coordinator. If a family is not satisfied with the FSS Coordinator’s response, the family may submit a request in writing in accordance with the agency’s reasonable accommodations policy. The policy is available online at www.waynemha,org.
Request for Effective Communication
A person with disabilities may request the use of effective communication strategies in order to facilitate participation in the FSS program. Examples include: appropriate auxiliary aids and services, such as interpreters, computer-assisted real time transcription (CART), captioned videos with audible video description, visual alarm devices, a talking thermostat, accessible electronic communications and websites, documents in alternative formats (e.g., Braille, large print), or assistance in reading or completing a form, etc.
Requests should be made initially to the FSS coordinator. If a family is not satisfied with the FSS Coordinator’s response, the family may submit a request in writing in accordance with the agency’s effective communications policy. The policy is available online at www.waynemha.org.
Limited English Proficiency
The WMHA will comply with HUD requirements to conduct oral and written communication related to the FSS program in languages that are understandable to people with Limited English Proficiency. For more information, see the Limited English Proficiency policy available online at www.waynemha.org.
More info:
FSS Interest Form (interest form is only for participants on Section 8/HCV Voucher)
