To: Honorable Chair and Commissioners
From: Rick Tooker, Community Development Director
Prepared By: Maria Gonzales, Housing Specialist
TITLE:
Title
Family Self Sufficiency Presentation
LABEL
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommendation
No action required.
Body
DISCUSSION:
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a HUD-funded program that encourages communities to develop local strategies to help participants of the Section 8 program secure employment that will lead to economic independence and self-sufficiency. The Housing Authority works with other community agencies and local businesses to provide a comprehensive program that gives participating FSS family members the skills and experience to enable them to obtain employment that pays a living wage.
The FSS Program links participants to supportive services to assist them with their education, job training and placement, counseling, child care, nutrition and other resources necessary to achieve self-sufficiency. This enhances the standard of living and self-esteem of the participants as they become more productive members of the community and are no longer dependent on government assistance.
The FSS Program also provides a financial incentive to participants who increase their earnings and successfully complete the program. The participant enters into a five-year Contract of Participation with the Housing Authority outlining the goals and objectives for reaching self-sufficiency in exchange for the Housing Authority establishing an interest-bearing escrow account for the participant. As the household income goes up due to new or increased wages, the monthly Section 8 rental assistance is reduced. However, under the FSS Program, there is a corresponding increase in the monthly deposit placed in the participant’s escrow account. Once the participant completes their goals, he/she is eligible to receive the accrued escrow funds.
FSS Participant Bradley Jones has successfully completed his goals and is eligible to receive the Certificate of Completion and a check in the amount of $22,660.40.
FSS Participant Michelle Mitchell-Dinkins has successfully completed her goals and is eligible to receive the Certificate of Completion and a check in the amount of $18,624.93 plus, she previously received an interim disbursement of $7,920.00 for a total of $26,544.93.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS:
Funding for this action is available in the FSS Escrow Deposit Liability Account (84303-22819). The original source of funding is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Section 8 Housing Voucher Program.
CEQA:
The Deputy Director has determined that the recommended action described in this agenda report is not subject to CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15060 (c).
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
None; the Certificate will be presented by Staff on the day of the meeting.
NOTIFICATION:
Program graduates Bradley Jones and Michelle Mitchell-Dinkins were notified of the presentation.