Family Self Sufficiency

The family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program is aimed at empowering volunteer families to leave the welfare system or low paying jobs so that they may create lives of dignity and independence. The FSS program combines AHS's housing assistance programs with various support services to assist participating families meet their planned goals over a five year period.

How does FSS work?

Families selected to participate in the FSS program must meet the general eligibility criteria of the Public Housing and Section 8 Rental Assistance programs. They are assigned a family advocate who helps them target specific goals for success and plan strategies to reach them. FSS participants qualify for substantial assistance in getting services like child care, education, job training, transportation, parenting skills and health care.

Money in the Bank!

During each family's period of FSS participation AHS sets up an escrow account for them. As each family's earning power and wages grow the family's share of rent under the Section 8 or Public Housing program goes up. Instead of charging these families more rent, AHS credits the family's increased portion of rent to their escrow account every month. The money in these escrow accounts is presented to each participating family when they complete their period of FSS participation.

Sweet Success

Since AHS began its FSS program in 1993 we have dispersed over $100,000 to our FSS graduates from their FSS escrow accounts. This money can be used by the grads any way they choose, but many have made down payments on their first homes.

Congratulations to Aurora Griego who completed the Section 8 FSS program in June, 2001. During Aurora's enrollment in the FSS program she became a certified dental assistant, and is now employed full time by a local dentist. Aurora purchased her first home in July, 2001. Aurora tells us "I was accepted into this program as a single parent of two young girls with no hope and no where to turn. I have accomplished a lot since the beginning of my program. My potential for success is now unlimited."

Way to go Aurora!