Family Self-Sufficiency Program
The
Family Self-Sufficiency program, administered by Seattle Housing
Authority, provides Public Housing and Section 8 residents an
opportunity to accumulate savings by establishing and accomplishing
self-directed goals related to education, employment and home
ownership. The program's mission is to
encourage self-determination, facilitate processes and support FSS
participants in their efforts to accomplish the goals they set for
themselves to reach their full potential.
How it Works
The Family Self-Sufficiency staff provides support, information
and resources necessary to assist each person participating in the program with accomplishing their goals.
Participants have up to five years to participate in the program and work toward
accomplishing their set goals. Support, information and resources included,
but not limited to child care, transportation, education, job training and employment counseling, substance/alcohol abuse treatment or counseling, household skill training
and homeownership counseling.
FSS
program staff members also establish partnerships in the community
to build a strong network for participants to access services.
Program Benefits
The program gives
participants an opportunity to establish goals such as education,
training, employment, small business ownership and home ownership.
A savings account is established for participants and monthly
deposits are credited to the account when the rent increases due
to increases in earned income. Interim withdrawals from the savings account are available to
assist participants in their efforts to accomplish their goals.
Program Eligibility and Requirements
Residents
living in Seattle Housing Authority's Section 8 or Public Housing
Programs are eligible to participate in the FSS program.
To
participate in the FSS program residents need to remain
in contact with FSS staff, complete all documentation as
requested, continue
to work toward established goals throughout participation, and become
independent of TANF and GAU for one year prior to completing
the program. For a participant to receive the balance in their
savings, they must accomplish their goals, exceed income limits or
purchase a home within five years.
For additional information about FSS, contact:
Family
Self-Sufficiency Supervisor
Cheryl
Sabin: (206)
615-3317
FSS Specialists - Housing Choice Voucher Program
Laura Etling: (206)
615-3312
Carol
Smith: (206)
615-3313
Roger Fujita: (206)
615-3319
FSS Specialist - Low Income Public Housing
Program
Sophia
Phillips:
(206) 615-3318
FSS Specialist - Homeownership
Donnell McGee:
(206) 615-3498
FSS Specialist - Tenant Trust
Account
Jared Rodelas-Kent:
(206) 615-3316
The FSS
staff is located at Seattle Housing's Central Office - 120 Sixth
Avenue North in Seattle.
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