Family Self-Sufficiency Program
“The FSS Program helped me to save over $8,000, which I used as a down-payment on my own house!”
-Deb A., Lawrence, MA
What is the Family Self-Sufficiency Program?
The North Andover Housing Authority is proud to offer the Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) to its Housing Choice Voucher Section 8 participants. The HUD-funded FSS Program is a social service program run through housing authorities and non-profit agencies. During a five-year period, participants work individually with a case manager to set and pursue goals related to education, job training, money management, childcare and transportation. An important and unique part of the FSS Program is the escrow or savings account that grows as earned income increases. Many FSS families have used their escrow money to purchase a home, start a small business, pay off a debt or save for retirement.
What are the benefits of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program?
- Individualized case-management services
- Goal development
- Workshops and groups focusing on a wide range of important life skills such as budgeting, credit repair, parenting, stress management, and job search
- Service coordination and referrals
- Home-ownership training
- Escrow or savings account
- Support and advocacy
- And so much more!
How do participants graduate from the Family Self-Sufficiency Program?
In order to successfully complete the program, participants must fulfill the goals outlined in their service and training plan, remain off of TANF cash assistance for a 12-month period and be suitably employed. If all the program requirements have been met, the participant can graduate and receive the funds in his/her escrow account. Although FSS gradates can remain on the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, many families have used their money to purchase their own home!
FSS is unique because of its intensive, individual approach to supporting families and is one of the few federally supported asset building programs in existence.
Want more information on the Family Self-Sufficiency Program?
Contact Ellen Weinhold, Program Coordinator Email: eweinhold@northandoverha.com
“The FSS Program has been so many things to me…support, information, money, advocacy and help for my family. I’m so very fortunate to have participated and graduated from the program.”
- Dyon T., FSS graduate
