Family Self Sufficiency Program (FSS)

What is Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)?

FSS is a program serving HCV & Public Housing participants who wish to increase their earned income and reduce their dependency on welfare assistance and rental subsidies. With support of local agencies, FSS combines case management and advocacy with individual plans for education, training, and employment. Participants in the program can receive support services for up to five years while improving their standard of living and building tools for creating sustainable change.

Qualification

To qualify for enrollment, you must:

1. Have a voucher or live at GGV
2. Be the Head of Household
3. Be motivated and able to enroll in school, vocational training, or actively seek employment.

Preparing for Success

To assist FSS families in being successful, underlying barriers to success will be addressed. In cooperation with local agencies, FSS will offer referrals for the following resources:

• Budgeting & Financial Literacy
• Credit Building
• Family & Individual Counseling
• Parenting Classes
• Job Development
• Resume Writing
• Education (basic, GED,ESL)
• Job Training
• Homeownership Counseling
• Other supportive services

Accepting the Challenge

Each participant in the FSS program signs a Contract of Participation and works closely with a case manager. Together, through a goal setting process, they craft a road map. This serves as a guide for the family to follow as they work toward goals related to higher education, career development, and financial education.

Financial Rewards for Working

By participating in the FSS program you become eligible for an escrow account. This is a savings account set up in your name by Marin Housing. Monthly deposits are made when you report an increase in earned income (after you join FSS).

The portion you pay toward rent is called total tenant payment (TTP), and is usually 30% of your income. This dollar amount is recorded on your FSS Contract. As your income increases, so does your TTP. In most cases, your escrow deposit will be the difference between your original FSS Contract TTP and your current TTP.

Example:

TTP after income increase: $ 400.00

Original TTP (FSS Contract): -$ 50.00

Monthly Escrow Deposit: $350.00

FSS Completion

When you meet your goals, are employed, and free of cash aid (TANF) for the final 12 months of FSS, you are eligible to receive your escrow account in full!