Family Self - Sufficiency Program

• The program is voluntary and available to most adults who participate in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program or who live in public housing. Participants must have a desire to become self-sufficient and a willingness to take the steps necessary to make it happen.  
• The FSS program provides support and assistance to participants for up to five years. The head of the household enters into an agreement with ECA. 
• A goal plan, developed by participants with assistance from ECA, identifies education and financial needs. 
• ECA’s FSS coordinator helps the participant obtain the services listed in the plan and supports or coaches the family during the term of the contract. 
• The coordinator helps the family find services and resources to help them achieve their goals. ECA establishes a savings account when the family increases its earned income.
•  FSS participants continue to receive housing assistance as long as they are eligible. The FSS program is intended to help participants move toward self-sufficiency. Many have achieved high school or college degrees and obtained good jobs and careers. 

 Partner with a ECA Coordinator to: Determine your work or career path; Explore job options; Find resources to meet challenges – step by step.

Develop a financial fitness plan Assist you in reviewing and understanding your credit report and develop a plan for you to improve your credit score by:

• Eliminating credit errors

• Building positive credit

• Repairing bad credit

The ECA FSS coordinator can help you find the services you need to become self-sufficient. 

These may include: 

• Educational programs (GED, ESL, ABE and college) 
• Career assessments 
• Job training 
• Child care
• Counseling 
• Case management
• Credit counseling
• Home ownership preparation 
• Coordination with other service providers and agencies