Residents Community Resources COVID Info Disaster Preparedness Family Self-Sufficiency Program Jobs Plus Program - Scattered Sites Neighborhood Network Centers Resident Advisory Board ROSS Senior Services Program

Family Self-Sufficiency Program

What is the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program?
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is an initiative of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Jacksonville Housing (JH) implemented the FSS voluntary program in 1993. The purpose of the program is to assist Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program families to complete goals in education, job-training, employment, entrepreneurial and homeownership with emphasis on employment, credit readiness and free of cash assistance.

Program participant has five (5) years to achieve their goals. This timeline can be extended two (2) additional years, totaling seven (7) years. This allows families extra time to complete their measurable and reasonable goals. When all of the goals are completed, the FSS participant is considered a "successful graduate" of the FSS Program.

Eligibility to participate in the Program?
Any persons that is a resident of either Public Housing or Section 8 may apply to the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program. Including:

Vash
RAD
Project Base
FUP
Mod Rehab

How do families apply for participation in the FSS Program?
The head of household has to complete a FSS Pre-Application form via the Pre-Application link below. When the FSS Service Coordinator receives the enrollment forms, the families will be invited to participate in a FSS orientation. You will receive a letter in the mail with your orientation date.

What services does the FSS Program Provide?
All FSS Participants are provided with professionally certified FSS Coordinators that will help them develop an Individual Training Service Plan known as an (ITSP). The participants will also be given a Contract of Participation that outlines the FSS Program along with additional information such the time frame of the Contract known as (COP).

The FSSU workshops are:

Time Management and Budgeting
Job Fair
Entrepreneurship
Homeownership Fair
Back to School Event
Financial Literacy

The FSS program in partnership with varies community organizations. Representative serve on the Program Coordinating Committee (PCC) in order to assure services are delivered.

What is an FSS Escrow Savings Account?
An Escrow saving account is an incentive offered by HUD to assist participants working toward becoming self-sufficient. Escrow is earned income. Participants must be working. Escrow is accrued when there's an increase in income and rent at the same time.

A successful FSS graduate?
Each year the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program will host a graduation honoring participants who have successfully completed the FSS Program.

If you have any additional questions please call (904) 630-4699.

Please note:

The FSS waitlist is 3-6 months
Public Housing residents do not qualify for the HCV Homeownership Voucher