MORE PROGRAMS
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program
Build a better future—for you and your family.
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FSS can help you reach your goals, whether it's going back to school, finding a better job, getting out of debt, or even buying your own home. Many families have used this program to create a more secure and successful life—and you can too!
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Call AMHA today at 419-228-6065 to get started!
WHAT IS THE FSS PROGRAM?
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a free, voluntary program that helps Section 8 families become more financially independent.
Through FSS, families have:
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Repaired credit
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Paid off debt
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Earned college degrees
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Found higher-paying jobs
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Bought homes
WHO CAN JOIN?
You must already be a participant in AMHA’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
WHAT DOES FSS OFFER?
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Help finding a job
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Credit repair and budgeting tools
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GED or college education support
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Understanding your credit report
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Homeownership resources
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One-on-one case management
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Access to local services
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An escrow savings account just for you
WHAT IS AN ESCROW ACCOUNT?
It’s a special savings account just for you.
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As your income goes up and your rent increases, AMHA sets aside extra money each month in your escrow account. When you complete the FSS program, that money is yours to use however you choose!
WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES?
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Set personal goals
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Seek and keep a good job
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Meet with your FSS Coordinator regularly
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Stay committed to your plan
HOW LONG DOES THE PROGRAM LAST?
The program lasts up to five years. You'll work toward your goals at your own pace, with support from AMHA every step of the way.
HOW DO I APPLY?
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program is a voluntary program that assists AMHA Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV/Section 8) participants in achieving economic independence over a five-year-period. Participants work with an FSS Coordinator to develop a service plan that will help the head of household and/or another adult in the home reach self-sufficiency. In order to graduate from the program, the head of household and/or another adult in the home must be suitably employed and free of welfare cash assistance benefits at the time of their graduation. Graduates are eligible for an escrow savings account, based on increases to earned income experience during their participation period.
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
Homeownership Program
Turn your rent into a mortgage and make your dream of owning a home come true.
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If you have a Housing Choice Voucher, you may be able to use it to buy a home instead of renting. This program allows your monthly housing subsidy (called a Housing Assistance Payment) to go toward your mortgage.
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What's Included?
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Along with financial help, the program also offers:
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Homebuyer education
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Credit counseling
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One-on-one support to guide you through the home buying process
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We’re here to help you move from renting to owning and build a better future for your family.
Interested? Call 419-228-6065 to learn more.
WHO CAN APPLY?
To be eligible, you must:
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Be a current Housing Choice Voucher participant in good standing
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Have full-time employment (30+ hours/week) and have worked continuously for at least one year
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Meet mortgage lender requirements (which are separate from AMHA’s rules)
HOME REPAIR REQUIREMENTS
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A repair list will be provided before purchase.
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Repairs must be completed by the seller before closing, unless the buyer and seller agree to adjust the price instead.
IMPORTANT PROGRAM RULES
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Your monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) must be 35% or less of your adjusted income.
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No one in your household can currently own a home or have owned one with housing assistance in the past.
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You must live in the home for the entire length of the mortgage—you cannot rent or sublet the property.
FINDING A HOME
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You are responsible for choosing your home.
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Homes must be existing or under construction and pass two inspections:
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A Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection by AMHA
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An independent inspection by a licensed contractor
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WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SHOW
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Steady income that can support a mortgage
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Good credit or the ability to qualify for a loan soon
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The ability to handle routine home maintenance
HOMEOWNERSHIP TRAINING
You must complete mandatory homeownership classes offered through a partnership with:
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The City of Lima
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West Ohio Community Action Partnership (WOCAP)
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AMHA
Missed classes must be made up in the next round. After completion, you’ll receive a certificate.
Additional Housing Support
SINGLE ROOM OCCUPANCY (SRO) PROGRAM
Safe, dorm-style housing for single, homeless men.
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The SRO Program offers housing at the Lima YMCA Annex for single, homeless males. Living spaces are shared in a dormitory-style setting.
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How to Apply:
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Visit AMHA at:
600 S. Main Street, Lima, OH 45804
(During regular business hours)
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Request a referral form from our staff.
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After receiving your referral, apply at the YMCA Annex to be added to the SRO waiting list (which is always open).
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What to Bring:
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Photo ID
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Social Security card
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Birth certificate
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Recent bank or asset statement
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Proof of income or benefits, such as Social Security, SSI, or employment income
PROJECT BASED VOUCHERS (PBV)
Rental assistance tied to specific units—not portable like regular vouchers.​
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Project Based Vouchers are part of the Section 8 program but are linked to specific units. This means they cannot be used at other rental properties like Housing Choice Vouchers can.
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Where Are PBV Units Located?
AMHA currently manages 24 PBV units​​
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How to Apply:
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Maplewood PBV applications are available online through our website.