Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program-Partners for Success

The purpose of Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is to provide housing assistance combined with public and private resources that will help families achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency. We believe that when a family's basic needs for affordable and stable housing are met, the family can better focus on other needs, such as skill development and job search.

At this time the San Francisco Housing Authority manages the FSS Program for Section 8 Program participants only. Though only the designated head of the household must sign the FSS Contract of Participation, the program is designed for the whole family and everybody's needs are taken into account. FSS programs partner with other service providers, such as: employment and training agencies, community colleges, job search and placement organizations, alcohol and drug services, childcare providers, youth organizations, older adult services, health services, emergency services, credit and homeownership counselors, the local CalWORKs office, and many more.

Key Features of the FSS Program

Enrollment/Recruitment - All Section 8 participants are eligible for FSS unless they currently owe money to the Housing Authority. A participant cannot be excluded from the program for such reasons as poor work history or lack of basic literacy skills. The FSS Program is a voluntary program, the premise of this program is that everyone deserves a chance for self-sufficiency, regardless of his or her current skill level, ability, or past work performance. In order to enroll in the program, participants income update must have been completed within the last 90 days along with attending a mandatory one hour informational orientation.

Contract of Participation - The participant must sign a five-year Contract of Participation, which states all the agreed upon terms between the participant and the Housing Authority (HA). Participants are expected to complete their goals within five years, though the Contract of Participation may be extended up to two years for good cause.

Individual Training and Service Plan (ITSP) - The ITSP consists of the participant's final goal, interim goals, and specific steps the participant needs to take in order to accomplish those goals. Typically, goals are focused on attaining full-time employment, job advancement, training and education, financial stability, childcare, and personal growth and development.

Case Management - FSS Case Managers work in partnership with participants to identify and secure resources that yield self-sufficiency. Case management includes supportive counseling, information and referrals, and ongoing goal development and planning, which will ultimately help participants gain skills and lifelong learning that continue beyond their participation in FSS.

Escrow Accounts - In general, as a family's earned income increases, the amount the family must pay for rent increases. When this happens, the Housing Authority takes a portion of the rent subsidy and places it in an interest-bearing escrow account on a monthly basis. The account is held for the family until they have completed all goals set in the Self-Sufficiency Plan. Once the family has met its goals and become independent of government assistance (ex: AFDC, GA, etc.) for a minimum of one year, they may cash out the escrow account. This program component has allowed hundreds of families nationwide to transition from subsidized housing to homeownership.

JOIN THE FSS PROGRAM

To join the FSS program, you must first pre-register to attend a FSS Program Orientation. To register send an e-mail to kingb@sfha.org or pulliamn@sfha.org. Be sure to include your name, client or social security number, mailing address and a daytime phone number. You may also call (415) 715-3234 or (415) 715-3207 to register.

San Francisco Housing Authority's Family Self-Sufficiency Motto:

"There are few misfortunes in this world you cannot turn into personal triumphs if you have the iron will and necessary skills"

Take a brief quiz to see if the FSS program is for you...