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What is the Family Self-Sufficiency Program?
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) is available to all families on Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing rental assistance. It is voluntary and designed to assist families in becoming self-supporting so they will no longer need to rely on public assistance. This program is available through Integrated Community Services (ICS) and the only requirement is the desire, willingness and commitment to make a change in your life and to take the steps necessary to become self-sufficient. Hundreds of families all over the country are already making better lives for themselves through this program.
How does the FSS Program work?
The FSS Program is a cooperative program that provides support and assistance to your family for up to five years. The head of household enters into an agreement with ICS in which an action plan is developed that identifies the family’s employment goals. It outlines the activities and services required to achieve these goals. Regular contact with us is essential and will provide opportunities to problem-solve obstacles before they arise. A Case Coordinator will support you, take an interest in your future and will refer you to public agencies and resources available in Brown County. They will assist you in achieving your objectives.
By combining rental assistance with a number of other services, we can assure better coordination and provide the maximum benefits needed to reach self-sufficiency.
Gradually, as you accomplish increased degrees of self-sufficiency by working and earning more, your portion of rent may go up. Another advantage to the FSS Program is that as this happens, we will establish an escrow account that will be awarded to you when you’ve successfully completed your FSS Contract of Participation. This account automatically saves for you and could be a boost in reaching any goals or personal endeavors you may have. You will not have to give up your voucher when the contract is completed, but hopefully you will no longer need assistance at that point. You can even join the FSS Program if you are presently working or are in school. You are not required to be on any public assistance other than the Housing Choice Voucher Program or Public Housing in order to qualify and if there are two adults in the household, you both may be part of the program.
What kinds of resources are available?
Your FSS Coordinator is knowledgeable about many supportive services in the community. We will assess your needs and refer you for the services you need. Some of the services could include workshops in resume writing, skill building, interviewing techniques, completing or adding to your education, affordable childcare, food, job training, job placement, educational programs, career counseling, physical and mental health clinics, household budgeting, credit counseling, debt management and consolidation, home ownership, nutrition, parenting and many other services. Through collaboration with other providers, we also offer many opportunities unique to FSS participants such as an FSS Support Group, job skills workshops, "Jobs In Focus" presentations, cooking classes, computer give-aways, and much more.
What’s the catch?
You must be receiving Housing Choice Voucher or Public Housing Assistance in order to participate in the FSS Program. In order to complete the program, you must meet all the goals and activities you’ve established for your family and be free of "welfare" (as defined by the FSS Program). Another way of completing the program is to simply increase your household income so that 30% of your monthly income is greater than the Fair Market Rent for your family size. This means that if another opportunity presents itself and leads you to self-sufficiency, the FSS contract can be considered complete.
What will be required of me?
COMMITMENT!!! You will bring your own unique talents, skills and strengths to the FSS Program. We will require you to be determined and committed in completing the activities listed in your training and services plan. You’ll need to keep in touch with us regarding your progress towards self-sufficiency. You will be asked to meet with us occasionally in order to discuss and update your goals and activities. You must possess motivation and initiative in your quest for economic independence.
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