To: Honorable Chair and Commissioners
From: Vincent Smith, Community Development Director
Prepared By: Michelle Singh, Housing Specialist
TITLE:
Title
Title
Family Self Sufficiency Presentation
LABEL
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommendationle
Presentation of the Certificate of Completion.
Body
DISCUSSION:
Through the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, the Housing Authority partners with community agencies and local businesses to provide wrap-around services that give participating Section 8 tenants the skills and experience needed 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, childcare, 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 they 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, the Housing Authority establishes 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. 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 Tenisha Joseph, has successfully completed her goals and is eligible to receive the Certificate of Completion and a check in the amount of $22,593.84.
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 Choice 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 of Completion will be presented on the day of the meeting.
NOTIFICATION:
Program graduate Tenisha Joseph was notified of the presentation.