Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)

WHAT IS THE FAMILY SELF SUFFICIENCY?

Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) is a HUD program that encourages communities to develop local strategies to help assist families obtains employment that leads families to economic independence and self sufficiency. Public Housing agencies (PHA) work with welfare agencies, schools, businesses, and other local partners to develop a comprehensive program that provides participating FSS family members the skills and experience to enable residents the ability to obtain employment that pays a living wage.

WHY IS FAMILY SELF SUFFICIENY IMPORTANT?

Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) is important to families residing in Public Housing, because it will assist them in building for their future. Participants in the program establish goals; receive training, homeownership counseling and household counseling.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE FSS PROGRAM?

Residents who reside in Public Housing or families receiving the choice voucher can participate in the FSS Program.

WHAT IS THE FSS ESCROW ACCOUNT?

The FSS escrow account is an interest-bearing account established by the PHA for each participating family. The escrow account is based upon family increases through employment. The funds are credited to the account by the PHA monthly. The funds are presented to the participant at the completion of the program.

Residents Council

Residents Council is the governing body for the residents in Public Housing. The board members are residents from each property maintained by Public Housing, and elected by the residents to serve on the board.

The goal of Resident Council is to assist with improving the quality of life; promote education, economic stability, and recreational opportunities for the residents; and improve relationships with property management.

Life Skills Program

WHAT IS THE LIFE SKILLS ENRICHMENT PROGRAM?

Like Skills is a program funded through a Ross Granted providing training to the underemployed and unemployed in Public Housing and residents in the City of Franklin and surrounding areas. The program sessions last for 12 weeks and offer classes in the anger management, health and wellness, conflict resolution, financial fitness, homeownership, job search and personal care aide training.

HOW CAN I ENROLL INTO THE PROGRAM?

The program is open to individual seeking employment, a change in their life, career choices and desire to become self sufficient. The program is offered in September, January and April. We are on the same schedule as Franklin School system. Interested parties will need to contact the Case manager at 757-569-7940.

Homeownership Plan

The Homeownership Plan is developed as a major component of the Authority’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program. The program will target households that meet the eligibility requirements within the following groups with priority given as shown below:

1. Public Housing Residents, who have executed contracts and are carrying out their commitments, under the Authority’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program.
2. Section 8 Voucher Program participants who are carrying out their commitments, under the Authority’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program.
3. Eligible Franklin/Southampton residents with income below 80 percent of the median income as determined annually by HUD for City of Franklin/ Southampton County.

When the Case Manager determines that an applicant, who is a resident of public housing or a participant in the Section 8 program, is not currently suitable for the Homeownership Program, then the Case Manager will seek to develop a Plan of Action with the applicant. The Plan of Action shall describe the specific counseling, training and technical support required by the applicant to move them toward the goal of homeownership.