This program is designed to assist families obtain and maintain economic independence and self-sufficiency by combining Public Housing or Section 8 housing assistance with other public or private resources.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Any person(s) who have a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher or who resides in Public Housing is eligible for the program.

The benefits of the program are that it is designed to assist program participants find the assistance and services they need to become economically independent. All FSS participants will work with a Tri-County Action Program FSS Counselor to identify their future goals, locate opportunities for education and jobs and develop the other skills necessary to become economically self-sufficient.

The FSS program also provides a financial incentive. The HRA will begin an escrow savings account on behalf of all program participants. Program participants that successfully complete the FSS program and become completely independent of all public assistance are eligible to receive the entire escrow account. The amount of money in the escrow account upon completion of the program will vary form household to household. The exact amount depends on how much the household income increases during the time it takes them to successfully complete the program. A maximum of five years has been established for program participation.

HOW DO YOU APPLY
How can you become a participating family? All eligible households are encouraged to complete an application form. Applicants will be placed on a waiting list according to the date that the application is received. When an applicant comes to the top of the waiting list, they will be contacted to verify their continued interest and eligibility.

Once an applicant is enrolled in the FSS program, they will meet with an FSS Counselor to complete a needs assessment and individual services plan. Upon successful completion of a personal plan, all participants will enter into a FSS Contract of Participation with the HRA.

A family has five (5) years to successfully complete the FSS program. It is the goal of the HRA that all participants will achieve economic independence.