Family Self-Sufficiency Program
What is FSS and why is it important?
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS), is a federally funded program established to assist low-income households obtain employment that will enable participating families to achieve economic independence and reduce dependence on welfare assistance and rental subsidies.
How do we help?
By working together with an FSS Coordinator, participants will be able to access crucial resources that help them to overcome obstacles and achieve success. If you’d like to apply, please reach out to Brad at 218-735-6310 or Brad@vhra.org
What can we
help with?
- Preparing For Employment
- Setting Up A Savings Account
- Money Management
- Education Advancement
- Homeownership
- And more…
Program Incentives
- Financial incentive: The FSS program provides a unique opportunity for FSS participants to enhance their earnings through an escrow savings account. This account is entirely tax-exempt, and participants have complete control over how they use the funds upon completing the program.
- Case Management: Assisting FSS participants in accessing necessary services to overcome obstacles is crucial for their success. Support from a FSS Coordinator serves as an essential component in aiding FSS participants in achieving their goals.
Program Features
- HCV Homeownership Program – The HCV homeownership program enables households receiving assistance under the HCV program to utilize their voucher to purchase a home and obtain monthly mortgage assistance to cover homeownership expenses. However, the HCV homeownership program is solely accessible to households accepted into the HCV program and is not provided by all Public Housing Agencies (PHA).
- A Tax-free and interest-bearing escrow account – An account is established by the PHA for each participating household. Any increase in the household’s rent due to earned income results in crediting the household’s escrow account. Once a household graduates from the program, they may access the escrow and use it for any purpose.