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Family Self-Sufficiency Program
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program is a HUD program that encourages Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to develop local strategies to help HCV program families achieve employment that leads to economic independence and self-sufficiency. PHAs work with welfare agencies, schools, businesses, and other local partners to provide voucher families with opportunities for education, job training, counseling, and other forms of social service assistance so that they can obtain the skills necessary to achieve self-sufficiency. Families participating in PHA's FSS program will enter into a five-year contract with the PHA and, upon successful completion of the program, will normally have improved their overall skills and experience to enable them to hopefully obtain employment that pays a living wage. Family Self-Sufficiency is a voluntary program, and will be available to all Housing Choice Voucher recipients without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin.
To further encourage self-sufficiency and financial development, the Mesquite Housing Division has established special escrow savings accounts for the program's participants. As the participant's earnings increase, Mesquite Housing deposits money into their escrow account based on the rent increase. This account is established as an incentive for those who complete their goals and graduate from the FSS program.
Due to the high volume of applicants, the FSS Program is currently on hold. We are working diligently to process all current applications and will provide updates as soon as the program reopens. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Follow the link to learn more about Family Self-Sufficiency.
**This program is for current Housing Choice Voucher participants ONLY**
FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM CONTACT
Those eligible to apply are:
- Low income families who are motivated to pursue additional education and job training with the goal of moving toward self-sufficiency
- Willing to attend monthly education support sessions
- Committed to improving the family's financial situation through dedication and hard work
- Currently participants of the Mesquite Housing Choice Voucher Program
How to Apply
If you are interested in becoming a participant of the FSS program, please follow the link below to complete the pre-application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Once the pre-application is received, you will be placed on the waiting list for the next orientation session. Following the orientation session, you will be invited for an initial interview. If the Housing Occupancy Supervisor determines that you are eligible, you will establish your five-year plan and execute a contract which will initiate your participation in the FSS program. You will not be invited for an orientation unless there are available slots.
Due to the high volume of applicants, the FSS Program is currently on hold. We are working diligently to process all current applications and will provide updates as soon as the program reopens. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
If you have questions regarding the FSS Program, please contact fss@cityofmesquite.com
I applied, now what?
- Once the interest form is submitted the applicant will be placed on the FSS waiting list to await the next orientation session.
- The applicant will then be invited to attend the next orientation session. (There will not be an orientation unless there are available FSS slots)
- After orientation the applicant will be invited for an individual interview which is when the Special Projects Coordinator determines if the applicant is eligible for the program and completes the steps to execute the contract of participation.
- You are not guaranteed participation in the program, you must meet the eligibility requirements.
Does the FSS program pay for my schooling or child care cost while I work or attend school?
No, the FSS program doesn’t assist participants with their education or child care costs while working or in school. FSS participants who attend school utilize Pell Grants, Student Loans or work part-time. For FSS participants that need help with child care they are directed towards the Child Care Management Services (CCMS) which provides financial assistance to low-income families who are in need of child care services.
What is the escrow account and how does an increase in my work income help me?
A benefit of participation in the FSS program is that as a household’s income increases due to an increase in earned income, a portion of that increase is deposited into an interest-bearing escrow (savings) account. This income must be from an increase in employment salary and not from SSI, unemployment, Child Support, TANF, etc. The account is released to a participant when he/she successfully graduates from the FSS program by completing his/her goals, successfully meeting the FSS 5 year requirements and having been TANF free for the final 12 months in the FSS program.
Is the FSS program right for my family?
- The FSS Program is for people who are employed, under-employed, unemployed or attending school. Don't wait until you're working to sign up.
- FSS is a voluntary program for residents of the Mesquite HCV program.
- FSS is a program that can put cash into a savings account for your family.
- FSS staff provide the guidance and support necessary for participants to create long term plans for life change.
- FSS is designed to help families achieve financial independence.
It is an opportunity to invest in your future. Individuals who sign up for the program will develop a plan for becoming self-sufficient. An FSS coordinator will help set up realistic, achievable goals.
Areas of focus may include:
Childcare
Employment Counseling
Job Training
Money Management & Credit
Homeownership Preparation
Education
Transportation
Substance Abuse