Family Self Sufficiency

What Is It?

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program works with support agencies throughout Massachusetts to help families develop strengths, skills, and experiences necessary to achieve economic independence. The FSS program is a team effort involving your family, the FSS Coordinator, and the various service agencies that will assist you on your journey towards a more self-sufficient and fulfilling life.

PLEASE NOTE: This program does not affect your standing in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. By being in these programs, it only allows you to participate in the FSS program.

Who Qualifies?

Only Federal Public Housing tenants or Section 8 Voucher holders that are in good standing with the housing authority can participate in this program.

What Are The benefits?

The FSS program allows participants to take advantage of schooling, financial counseling, training, and to gain work experience, while receiving housing assistance. The FSS Coordinator works with each family to develop a plan to learn the skills that will lead to better employment, education, and financial standing in order to become more independent. The FSS Coordinator will do this by connecting you with various services for your specific needs.

In addition to having access to these services, the MHA will set aside money in an escrow account for employed FSS participants who begin to pay a larger portion of their rent due to an increase in their earned income. Successful FSS graduates have used their escrow funds to purchase a home, a car, start a business, pay off debt, or to continue their education.

The Process

Meet with the FSS Coordinator
Sign a five-year Contract of Participation and set several goals for your action plan
Work towards your chosen goals, report on your status, and meet with your FSS Coordinator on a quarterly basis
Graduate from program and receive funds from escrow

Graduation

Once you have completed your set goals and have been off of government assistance (TANF, Food Stamps) 12 months prior of your graduation/end of contract date, you will have successfully completed the FSS program and receive your escrow funds that you have accumulated over the years. If you need more time to complete your set goals, then you may be approved for an extension for up to two years. If you graduate from the FSS program, you can still remain in Federal Public Housing or keep your Section 8 Voucher. You do not have to give up your housing/voucher.

For more information, please contact:

Erin Keating, Section 8/Family Self Sufficiency Coordinator, 781-827-4067

Melrose Housing Authority Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Coordinator Erin Keating presents Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Participant Etta Dunn with a check for $12,072.88 for completing the FSS contract of participation. With the help of HCV Staff, Etta worked to develop an action plan to help her attain various goals and objectives over the course of the five-year contract.

“The FSS program has been a tremendous financial opportunity for me to participate in. I am very grateful that my HCV Coordinator considered me personally to participate and was able to create goals in my favor, that I would complete and benefit from. I plan to save the money that I earned and continue to work towards better credit and financial stability for myself and am hopeful that I will be able to someday purchase a home with a big backyard for me and my son.”

The Melrose Housing Authority congratulates Etta Dunn for successfully graduating from the FSS program and wish her well in her pursuit of homeownership!

If you are interested in joining MHA’s Family Self Sufficiency Program, please contact the MHA directly to speak with our Coordinator to request more information.