Section 8 Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS)
What is the Family Self-Sufficiency Program?
In the THDA Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program, we work with families to create step-by-step plans that lead to economic independence. The purpose of the FSS program is to facilitate access to the supportive services families need to become free of public assistance in a five-year time period. All participating Section 8 families are eligible to participate in the FSS program if they desire.
Families that are attending school, searching for employment or other opportunities to increase their income will benefit from the FSS program. The program refers families to public and private supportive services that will assist the family with obtaining the resources they need to become free of public assistance. With the assistance of our Family Self Sufficiency Coordinator, each family develops a plan outlining specific actions and resources necessary to help them accomplish their needs, goals and objectives, such as childcare, transportation, job training, job search, high school, GED or college classes. Credit and homeownership counseling are mandatory components of each participant's plan.
Are all Section 8 Participants required to participate?
No. The FSS program is voluntary.
Who is eligible to participate?
Any family participating in THDA's Section 8 program is eligible to participate in the FSS program. However, although THDA serves approximately 5,000 families in Tennessee through the Section 8 Program, our FSS program is limited to 200 participants. When the program is closed to new applicants, interested Section 8 participants are placed on a waiting list. Currently, program slots are available in most of the nine THDA regional field offices.
What are the benefits of participating in FSS?
In addition to gaining access to valuable supportive services, THDA establishes a savings (or escrow) account for FSS families when their earned income increases from obtaining a job or receiving a job-related promotion or raise. When a Section 8 participant's income increases, their family contribution toward rent also increases. The monthly escrow credit (or amount THDA sets aside in a savings account for the family each month) is equal to the family's increase in rent. As long as the family participates in the FSS program and retains their job or receives job-related income increases, THDA continues to contribute to their escrow account.
When the family completes their contract of participation and/or becomes free of public assistance, they are eligible to receive the balance of their account. One of THDA's FSS graduates received an escrow check for over $9,000.00 dollars. The family may use their FSS escrow earnings as they choose, but we hope they use their earnings to purchase a home.
For more information on the FSS Program and the enrollment process, please contact Jeboria Scott, FSS Coordinator, at jscott@thda.org or call (615) 815-2164.
