What it is - FSS is designed to provide CMHA residents with the programs, support, and services needed to achieve economic self-sufficiency and to eventually move out of subsidized housing.  Each family works closely with their FSS program coordinator to develop a plan with specific and attainable interim steps toward the end goal of self-sufficiency.  The centerpiece of the FSS program is a special savings account that is set up for each family. As the family’s earned income increases, CMHA deposits the money that would normally go toward a higher subsidy into an interest earning escrow account for the family instead. Once the family successfully completes the program requirements, the money in the account is theirs to use however they want.

Strengthening our commitment to work with FSS families - FSS participants meet with CMHA staff on an annual basis to review their progress toward HUD’s mandatory previously established goals.  Families are also given the opportunity to set new personal goals for the next year.  By setting short-term goals at least every 12 months, we believe that FSS participants make greater progress toward completion of their long-term goal of economic self-sufficiency.

How FSS families have done – Since inception, 192 FSS families completed their FSS Contracts of Participation and received $1,104,875 from their FSS escrow accounts.  About half of the families who complete their FSS Contracts are also ready to leave the HCVP based on the level of their income.  The families that completed the FSS Contract and remained on the HCVP are encouraged to continue to work toward their self-sufficiency goal.

The most common long term goal -  Most FSS families list home ownership as one of their life-long goals.  Home ownership may or may not be a realistic goal for a family within the FSS time frame, but it can be the starting point for a family to begin to make positive changes.  Some FSS families do leave the HCVP and use the funds from escrow to achieve their goal of home ownership.  With CMHA’s decision to participate in the Section 8 Home Ownership Program, more families have the opportunity to achieve home ownership by using their voucher subsidy to help pay a mortgage.