FAMILY SELF SUFFICIENCY (FSS)

FSS Objective – Independence and self-sufficiency (free of welfare assistance for 12 consecutive months)

How will Appleton Housing Authority assist with this objective?

-         Increases in earned income will cause the family’s share of the rent to go up.  The Appleton Housing Authority will put the amount of the rent increase in an escrow account.  Then, when the family becomes self-sufficient (free of welfare assistance), the family can use the account for a down payment on a home or whatever else the family may need at the time.

-         The Appleton Housing Authority will refer families to cooperating agencies for other needed services such as childcare, job training or education, money management, substance abuse, ect.

-         The Appleton Housing Authority will also help plan goals to help the family become free of welfare. Long and short-term goals will be set that are both reasonable and achievable for the individual family.  Each family will have different goals and time limits in completing their goals based upon the family’s needs.

-         Technical assistance such as resume writing and budgeting will be available along with any other needs the family may have.

 What are the FAMILY’S responsibilities?

-         5 year plan with contract – could be completed earlier than 5 years IF 30% of the adjusted monthly income equals or exceeds the FAIR MARKET RENT set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

-         Report any changes in income, increases and decreases.

-         Become free of welfare assistance.

The FSS plan is a separate contract from the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher responsibilities, so the family could lose their FSS and keep their Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher.