Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program

Building a Stronger Future

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a voluntary program that helps individuals and families living in public housing achieve greater financial independence and long-term self-sufficiency.

Established by Congress in 1990, the FSS Program is a national initiative that empowers participants to set and achieve personal goals related to:

Employment and career advancement
Education and job training
Entrepreneurship and small business development
Financial literacy and financial empowerment

Participants work one-on-one with an FSS Coordinator to develop an individualized plan that identifies goals, connects them with community resources, and provides ongoing support throughout their journey.

As participants increase their earned income, they may also build an FSS Escrow Account, allowing them to save money while working toward program completion.

The Stevens Point Housing Authority (SPHA) is proud to offer the Family Self-Sufficiency Program since 2023 and is committed to helping residents gain the skills, confidence, and resources needed to achieve lasting independence. Enroll in FSS Today!

Beth Rosenow

Resident Services Coordinator

1300 Briggs Ct, Stevens Point, WI 54481

Office: (715) 341-3444 Ext 6

E-mail: brosenow@spha-wi.org

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can join the program?

Any SPHA tenant 18 and over can join the FSS program. The FSS program is open to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital or family status, disability, age, or any other discriminatory factor. You DON'T need to be working to sign up.

How can the FSS Program help me?

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is designed to assist individuals and families in utilizing community resources to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency.

What is an FSS Escrow Account?

An escrow is a savings account based on your earned income increases. Even though your rent may increase, a portion of your increased amount will be placed in a savings (escrow) account. The funds plus interest may be accessed once you have successfully completed your program goals.

Example: How an Increase in Income Can Build Your FSS Escrow

One of the benefits of the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is that as your earned income increases, you may build savings in an FSS Escrow Account.

Here's a simple example:

Before New Job After Raise

Monthly Employment Income: $1,200 Monthly Employment Income: $1,800

Tenant Rent: $300/month Tenant Rent: $480/month

Increase in Rent: $180/month

Normally, when your income increases, your rent also increases. However, if you are enrolled in the FSS Program and remain in good standing, the $180 increase in rent is generally deposited into your FSS Escrow Account instead of being lost.

What This Means

Your monthly rent payment still increases from $300 to $480.
The Housing Authority places $180 each month into your FSS Escrow Account (provided you remain eligible under HUD regulations).
After one year: $180 × 12 months = $2,160 in escrow savings

If you successfully complete your FSS Contract of Participation (CoP) and meet all program requirements, are working, and your entire household is free of W-2 payments, you may receive the entire escrow balance upon graduation from the program.