What Is the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program?

The FSS Program is designed to help families using Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers build financial stability over time.

The program connects Section 8 recipients with a coordinator who will help you set and achieve goals such as:

• Childcare: Finding affordable and reliable childcare services.
• Education: Completing high school, obtaining a GED, or pursuing college and technical education.
• Job Training: Developing skills to improve employment opportunities.
• Career and Personal Counseling: Receiving guidance to overcome personal challenges and advance your career.
• Homeownership: Working towards buying your own home.

The program is voluntary. It was created to provide participants with both support and a financial safety net, helping them build a more stable and independent future. It’s an opportunity to turn hard work and goal-setting into lasting financial freedom.

How Does It Work?

First, FSS participants set personal goals, such as finding a better-paying job, completing education, or reducing debt.

Next, if your income increases while you are in the FSS program, your portion of the rent may also increase. When this happens—as part of this program—the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets aside the additional rent you pay into a special interest-bearing escrow account.

This escrow account is like a savings account you don’t have to manage yourself. As you make progress on your goals—whether through job training, advancing your education, or increasing your income—your account grows.

Finally, upon successfully completing the program and achieving your agreed-upon goals, you receive the entire balance of the account.

The funds in the escrow account are yours to use as you wish. Many participants use this money to:

• Buy a home.
• Start a small business.
• Pay for education.
• Save for the future.

Even if your income doesn’t increase right away, the FSS Program offers support and resources to help you reach your goals. This could include job training, education, or other services to improve your financial situation. The program gives you time and tools to create a path toward greater independence.

Who Is Eligible?

All current Section 8 voucher holders are eligible to participate.

How Do I Get Started?

• Apply: Complete the FSS application.
• Set Goals: Work with your coordinator to create a personalized plan.
• Sign a Contract: Agree to the terms of participation.
• Begin the Program: Start working towards your goals with ongoing support.

The FSS Program is entirely voluntary, and there’s no penalty for leaving if your circumstances change. Get started today! Contact April Durking, RCHA’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program Coordinator, at 304-636-6495 ext. 132 or adurking@rchawv.org.