All about Family Self-Sufficiency

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a program administered by The Housing Authority of the City of Columbus, Indiana and is federally funded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  FSS is a voluntary program.  The goal of an FSS family is to attain economic security and self-sufficiency by or before the end of the Contract of Participation.  FSS includes a financial incentive through the establishment of an escrow account.

Eligibility requirements for FSS include:

• The family must be a current Public Housing or Section 8 HCV tenant.
• The head of household must attend a mandatory introductory session with the FSS Coordinator.
• The head of household must be willing to seek and maintain employment or be attending school during the FSS Contract of Participation period.
• The head of household is required to maintain regular contact with the FSS Coordinator and attend mandatory meetings.
• The family must be willing to receive case management as a part of their supportive services.
• Families interested in enrolling in the FSS program will complete pre-enrollment forms and attend a program orientation with the FSS Coordinator.

If the family wishes to continue as a participant in the program after orientation, the family will meet with the FSS Coordinator to identify and assess needs and short and long term goals to achieve self-sufficiency.  An Action Plan will be developed that details specific steps and activities the family will complete in order to attain their needs and goals.

A Contract of Participation must be signed by the head of household.

Those interested in the FSS program may contact the FSS Coordinator at (812) 378-0005, extension 30.