Other Programs
FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY
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Family Self-Sufficiency can assist you in furthering your education, buying a home, and securing your financial future. Get on this path to success and give AMHA a call today! 419-228-6065
What is the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program? FSS is a voluntary program designed to help families achieve financial independence. FSS has helped families repair their credit, get out of debt, earn their college degrees, find well paying jobs and purchase homes. It has worked for many families and it can work for you! Who can become a participant of the FSS program? You must be a participant in Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority’s Section 8 voucher program. |
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What services are provided through FSS?
• Finding employment • Credit repair • Budgeting skills Obtaining GED or college education
• Understanding a credit report • Homeownership • Case Management • Development of an escrow account
• Links to community resources
What is an ESCROW account?
An escrow account is a financial incentive that becomes available to the participant upon successful completion of their contract.
Generally, as FSS members reach their goals, their earned income increases and so does their portion of the rent. When this happens, AMHA deposits an established amount into a savings account every month for the participant and their family. When the FSS contract is successfully completed, the head of household receives the money in the account.
The amount of escrow that can be accumulated is determined on the client’s success.
What are the Client’s Responsibilities?
The client’s responsibilities are to seek and maintain suitable employment while continuing to complete his/her goals. The client meets with the FSS Coordinator on a regular basis for progress updates.
How Long Does the Program Last?
A five year contract is written and signed by the FSS Coordinator and the client. During the duration of the contract, the client works on achieving the goals that he/she has chosen, which eventually leads to the successful completion of the program.
How Can I Apply?
Contact the FSS Coordinator, stop in to AMHA office and ask for a Family Self-Sufficiency Application, or print, complete, and submit the application available here:
• Finding employment • Credit repair • Budgeting skills Obtaining GED or college education
• Understanding a credit report • Homeownership • Case Management • Development of an escrow account
• Links to community resources
What is an ESCROW account?
An escrow account is a financial incentive that becomes available to the participant upon successful completion of their contract.
Generally, as FSS members reach their goals, their earned income increases and so does their portion of the rent. When this happens, AMHA deposits an established amount into a savings account every month for the participant and their family. When the FSS contract is successfully completed, the head of household receives the money in the account.
The amount of escrow that can be accumulated is determined on the client’s success.
What are the Client’s Responsibilities?
The client’s responsibilities are to seek and maintain suitable employment while continuing to complete his/her goals. The client meets with the FSS Coordinator on a regular basis for progress updates.
How Long Does the Program Last?
A five year contract is written and signed by the FSS Coordinator and the client. During the duration of the contract, the client works on achieving the goals that he/she has chosen, which eventually leads to the successful completion of the program.
How Can I Apply?
Contact the FSS Coordinator, stop in to AMHA office and ask for a Family Self-Sufficiency Application, or print, complete, and submit the application available here:
| Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Application |
Client Testimonials
"5 years ago, I was introduced to the FSS Program. I walked into the program as a confused young lady who needed help with sorting out certain areas of my life. I didn't understand how to read a credit report, so I had no idea what position I was in regarding my credit history. Not only that, but I had short and long term goals that I wanted to accomplish but for years prior to entering the F.S.S. Program. I always felt like I was stuck at square one."
I am so grateful to have been introduced to such a program. Tiffany Wright, Reba Wall and Kim Reynolds all took the time to learn my situation and at the same time, taught me ways to believe in myself, accomplish my goals and push forward. I will be forever grateful to these ladies for believing in me and allowing me to take the wheel. My life has changed and my head is less cloudy. I am currently a Certified Medical Assistant. My car is paid off and because I can now understand my credit report, I will continue to print one every year to be current and continue to work at improving my credit score."
-December 2014 FSS Graduate
"I couldn't have achieved my goals without this program. This program took away a little of the stress I had while in school and raising three kids on my own. I recommend this program to anyone who is trying to make a better life for themselves and their family. I can't thank you all so much for your guidance and direction. Special thanks to all the caseworkers I have had in the past and especially Kim. Thank you again."
- Amanda Martinez, June 2014 FSS Graduate
"5 years ago, I was introduced to the FSS Program. I walked into the program as a confused young lady who needed help with sorting out certain areas of my life. I didn't understand how to read a credit report, so I had no idea what position I was in regarding my credit history. Not only that, but I had short and long term goals that I wanted to accomplish but for years prior to entering the F.S.S. Program. I always felt like I was stuck at square one."
I am so grateful to have been introduced to such a program. Tiffany Wright, Reba Wall and Kim Reynolds all took the time to learn my situation and at the same time, taught me ways to believe in myself, accomplish my goals and push forward. I will be forever grateful to these ladies for believing in me and allowing me to take the wheel. My life has changed and my head is less cloudy. I am currently a Certified Medical Assistant. My car is paid off and because I can now understand my credit report, I will continue to print one every year to be current and continue to work at improving my credit score."
-December 2014 FSS Graduate
"I couldn't have achieved my goals without this program. This program took away a little of the stress I had while in school and raising three kids on my own. I recommend this program to anyone who is trying to make a better life for themselves and their family. I can't thank you all so much for your guidance and direction. Special thanks to all the caseworkers I have had in the past and especially Kim. Thank you again."
- Amanda Martinez, June 2014 FSS Graduate