Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a voluntary program available to all participants receiving HUD Section 8 Rental Assistance or living in Public Housing who wish to improve their financial situation, eliminate their dependence on public assistance, and are motivated to change their lives. The program emphasizes educational and vocational training that leads to full time consistent employment.
Each FSS participant creates a maximum five-year plan that includes employment goals and identifies training or education needs. There may be many barriers on the road to self-sufficiency. For this reason, one of our Social Services Coordinators will work with each family individually to identify, locate and arrange the services they need to accomplish their goals.
How can I be eligible to participate in the SPHA FSS program?
- Must live in SPHA public housing OR receive rental assistance through the SPHA HCV/Section 8 program.*
- Must be willing to sign a 5-Year Contract of Participation.
- Must be willing to work with a Social Services Coordinator to achieve self sufficiency goals.
*If you do not live in SPHA public housing, or receive rental assistance through the SPHA HCV/Section 8 program, you will not receive FSS services from SPHA.
If you are eligible, your Social Services Coordinator will provide such services as:
- Assistance in identifying and reaching goals within specific time frames.
- Referrals to community support services.
- Assistance with financial planning when requested.
- Informational and educational workshops.
- Help with establishing an escrow (savings) account.
A benefit of enrolling in FSS is the escrow savings account. As you work toward your goals and your earned income increases (such as wages from a job or self-employment), money is added into this account which gains interest every month.
Normally, as your wages increase, you just pay more towards your rent. However, when you are in FSS and your wages increase, the extra amount of money you pay in rent is put into your escrow account.
Please watch the video below (in English or in Spanish) for more information!
What is FSS? from Compass Working Capital on Vimeo.
¿Que es FSS? from Compass Working Capital on Vimeo.
Contact Us
If you're a SPHA public housing resident or SPHA HCV participant interested in joining the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, please contact Abby Everingham.
Phone: 727-323-3171
Email: SocialServices@StPeteHA.org
*If you do not live in SPHA public housing, or receive rental assistance through the SPHA HCV/Section 8 program, you will not receive FSS services from SPHA.