Family Self-Sufficiency Program
What is the Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program?
The Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program is for individuals that already have a Housing Choice Voucher or Project-Based Voucher with the Housing Authority of the City of Alameda. This program is not available for participants in Shelter Plus Care programs. Only households already assisted under the HCV or PBV programs are eligible for the FSS Program.
What does the FSS Program do?
The FSS Program is designed to assist families and individuals in becoming financially stable by providing individualized case management services and financial incentives. Participation in the program is voluntary and requires a five-year personal commitment by participants.
Who can participate?
All Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) participants are eligible to participate in the FSS program regardless of educational status, age, work experience, career interests or status as a person with a disability. The FSS program emphasizes employment, career development, education, training, independence from public assistance and credit readiness.
How does it work?
The FSS Program provides an Escrow (savings) Account. When an FSS participant’s rental portion increases as the result of increased earned income, a specified amount of money (based on a formula involving the decreased assistance found at 24 CFR 984) is deposited into an interest-earning savings account on behalf of that qualifying family or individual. Upon successful completion of the five-year FSS program, graduating families and individuals will have access to those accumulated funds. Some FSS Program graduates have saved enough money over 5 years to buy a car or even to have a down payment on the purchase of a home.
How do can I apply?
The Housing Program Department is continuously taking applications for the FSS program. Become the next remarkable success story by achieving long-term career goals and economic independence and join the FSS program today. FSS Program applications are available at the front desk of AHA’s main office (at 701 Atlantic Avenue).