The HUD-funded
Family Self Sufficiency Program was established in 1990 to promote employment and increased assets for low-income families receiving federal rent subsidy or public housing. During a five-year period, participants work individually with a case manager to set and pursue goals related to education, job training, establishing a career, and homeownership.
A key component of the FSS program is the interest-earning escrow saving account that accumulates as earned income increases. Families receive the funds after they have successfully completed the program. FSS families have used their escrow to purchase homes start a small business, pay off debts and finance higher education for themselves or their children. We are proud of the accomplishments of participants at the Ann Arbor Housing Commission Family Self-Sufficiency Program and invite you to contact us to learn more.
Eligibility
To be eligible for participation in the FSS program, you must:
- Be receiving rental assistance through the AAHC.
- Agree to comply with the terms and conditions of your lease.
- Be willing and able to seek and maintain employment during the term of the FSS Contract of Participation.
-
FSS Participation Handbook
Outcomes
Within five years, you must:
- Complete your goals.
- Be free of DHHS assistance (detailed information available).
- Obtain and maintain suitable employment.
Resources and Supportive Services
FSS offers resources and referrals to:
- Affordable child care
- Career advising
- Credit repair
- Financial stability
- Furthering Education
- Home ownership
- Job skills training
- Matched savings
- One-on-one support
- SHDA Additional Housing Resources
- And more.
Escrow Incentive
AAHC establishes an interest-bearing FSS Escrow Account for each participating family. An FSS Escrow Account is based on increases in earned income of the family and is credited to the account during the term of the FSS Contract. The AAHC may make a portion of this escrow account available to the family during the term of the contract to enable the family to complete an interim goal such as education.
When a participating family successfully completes the
Contract of Participation and no member of the family is receiving cash assistance, the amount of the FSS escrow account is paid to the head of the family. If the PHA terminates the FSS contract, or if the family fails to complete the contract before its expiration, the family's FSS escrow funds are forfeited
Benefits
During the FSS five-year term, participants exit the program with knowledge and ability to be financially self-sufficient:
- Education that enables an individual to qualify for full employment.
- A job that allows the family to support itself without government assistance.
- Basic understanding of financial concepts, money management and credit management.
Download an
application, or contact us at 734.794.6720.
