The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program was created by Congress to provide economic incentives for families to become employed and move toward independence and/or transition out of public and Housing Choice Voucher Program (formally Section 8)housing. Families enter a five-year contract of participation and set personal goals to achieve independence. Support is provided in securing training, education and in increasing participants' capabilities. A significant portion of rent increases that result from employment is escrowed into a personal savings or "set aside" account. At the end of the contract period, in order to receive the escrow savings participants must be employed and all adult members of the household must be welfare-free. Savings can be used for a car, homeownership, or education.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Residents of RRHA public housing or Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly Section 8) housing who are heads of household.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
When you decide to join the program, the FSS staff will:

• Provide you with a Contract of Participation
• Help you develop your goals for independence
• Link you to services and agencies
• Provide classes that promote your self-sufficiency, such as homeownership and money management; and
• Meet with you regularly to support your progress toward your goals.

WHAT IS ASKED OF YOU?
During the contract period, the FSS participant will:

• Pay rent on time
• Attend monthly program activities
• Obtain employment
• Have no lease violations; and
• Be free of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) (head of household and all adults) for one year prior to the end of the contract.

When you successfully complete the program, money in your 'set-aside' account will be yours!

For more information on the FSS program or to enroll, call (804) 780-4866 or e-mail us at info@rrha.com