Family Self Sufficiency Program

Resources and Advice for Financial Independence for Section 8 and Public Housing Program Participants

Rhonda Freed Program Coordinator

The Family Self Sufficiency Program (FSS) believes the best way to predict the future is to create it. And FSS does just that with a program designed to give you the tools you need to create self-sufficiency goals and follow them through. At FSS you are not a number, but get personalized, individualized attention when you need it. Here's what FSS can offer you:

Career Counseling

FSS will help you find a job, get a better one, or go back to school to improve your marketability.

Not sure where you belong professionally? Not a problem. Using creative career counseling techniques, FSS will help you look at career options, community resources, schools and skill-building programs.

Know what kind of job you want? Great! We'll help you check out local employment opportunities and prepare for employment.

Either through creative career counseling, professional development techniques including helping you improve interview skills and write an effective resume and cover letter, FSS will insure that you get the job and career you want.

FSS Escrow Account

As an FSS participant, when your rent rises due to your increased wage income, you are eligible for a BHA Escrow Account. Think of it as a long-term savings account. This account increases monthly, as your wages increase by getting better and better jobs. It will be available to you when you complete your FSS contract, fulfill the goals you set yourself, and are public assistance-free for 12 months prior to the end of your FSS Contract.

Resources

We act as your referral source to community support services, resources and programs throughout Chittenden County.

We create programs to meet the needs and goals of FSS participants.

Our newest service is one-on-one credit or budgeting counseling only for FSS Participants, to help them get a handle on their finances and move forward confidently into the future they want for themselves. This is particularly important for those with home ownership as a goal. FSS also offers a monthly FSS Home Ownership Club, where FSS participants who are interested in home ownership-those who are close, but also for those for whom owning a home is still a dream, meet and discuss challenges, resources and issues around home ownership.

Are you eligible for FSS? You are if:

(1) You want to start a "nest egg" for your financial future, one that may provide you with the means to buy a home, own a car, get a computer, pay tuition

And (2) if:

• You are a BHA Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program participant or public housing resident

• You are already working

• You are not presently working but are seeking work.

• You are working toward a promotion or are searching for a better job.

• You are enrolled in school for career training or

• Plan to go back to school

• You are either on or not receiving TANF.

• You may be either on, or not receiving, RUFA (Reach Up Family Assistance, formerly ANFC or TANF).

How does FSS work?

You meet individually with our FSS Coordinator to develop your Personal 5-Year Plan Contract. You are in charge of your Plan and it's up to you to complete your Plan goals. Our FSS Coordinator is there to help you do just that. She will help you set realistic, doable guidelines for your Plan, help you figure out what you need to do to get to where you want to go, help you get the resources that will work best for your objectives. You are required to meet with our FSS Coordinator at least once a month, but you may get together whenever else necessary. You have 5 years to complete your Plan Contract and must be off Public Assistance for at least 1 year prior to contract completion. The money saved in your Escrow Account is then yours.

To explore your options and/or to enroll in the Program, contact:

Rhonda Freed
FSS Coordinator
Phone: 802-864-0538 x226
Email: rfreed@burlingtonhousing.org

It's that simple.