Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program

Individuals receiving housing assistance interested in the FSS program attended an orientation, signed a contract of participation, and completed an individualized plan at enrollment. FSS program participants worked with case managers to set goals related to self-sufficiency to include in their plan. Case managers also provided referrals to services, such as education and training opportunities and low-cost child care. Most sites expected case managers to contact participants on a quarterly basis, although some sites ranged from monthly to annual contact. When they met, case managers often provided participants with job search assistance. Participants who received housing vouchers were required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to pay 30 percent of any increases in earnings toward rent. As a work incentive for FSS participants, the public housing agencies implementing FSS credited the increase in rent to an escrow account that earned interest. Assuming the participant completed their goals and no family member received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for at least 12 months, the participant received the amount in their escrow account. If the participant did not complete their goals or a family member received TANF within the last 12 months, they did not receive the funds. The goals typically had to be completed within five years, but two-year extensions were available if necessary. FSS program applicants were heads of households who lived in public housing or received a housing voucher. Individuals were eligible if they were age 18 or older and were in good standing with the housing authority. The program took place in 18 public housing agencies across seven states: California, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, and Texas. Housing authorities varied in size and urbanicity.