Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program
The City of Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s (RRHA) Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program gives residents of public housing and Section 8 an opportunity to achieve economic independence, and in many cases, save money for their family’s future.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR FSS?
If you live in public housing or are a participant in the section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, you are eligible to enroll in the FSS program. You must be in good standing with RRHA. However, if you participated in FSS previously but never graduated, there may be a waiting period before you can reapply.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
Lay the foundation for a better paying career that can support you and your family from now on. Build a savings account while working toward your family self-sufficiency goals. The FSS program allows you to save money in an escrow account. When a family’s rent increases because of new earned income, a portion of the adjusted rent will be credited to the FSS escrow account in accordance with HUD regulations.
HOW CAN FSS HELP ME?
An FSS Coordinator can assist you as you work towards goals in many different areas, including but not limited to:
– Education
– Job Skills
– Homeownership
– Technical Skills
– Career Counseling
– Credit Counseling
– Money Management
– Career Stability
– And Much More!
Our staff is here to support you every step of your journey!
What do I have to do to enroll in the program?
- Sign a contract of participation which includes a plan to reach your self-sufficiency goals.
- Comply with your lease terms.
- All minor children must be enrolled in school. Truancy is
a contract violation.
- Complete the activities listed in your contract within the 5 year time frame.
- Must be TANF free at the time of graduation from the FSS Program.
- Call for more information and/or set up an appointment to discuss the benefits of the program.
CAN I USE THE FUNDS IN MY ESCROW ACCOUNT?
Lay the foundation for a better paying career that can support you and your family from now on. Build a savings account while working toward your family self-sufficiency goals. The FSS program allows you to save money in an escrow account. When a family’s rent increases because of new earned income, a portion of the adjusted rent will be credited to the FSS escrow account in accordance with HUD regulations.
The participants who fulfill activities and responsibilities agreed upon in the contract and whose monthly adjusted incomes exceeds the rental rate at signing of the COP will receive funds into their escrow accounts monthly.
These families may receive a 33% disbursement to use escrow account funds ONE TIME ONLY to help fulfill many self-sufficiency goals including, but not limited to, homeownership, a car purchase (or repair), education costs, or starting a small business.
Once all self-sufficiency goals are met according to the service plan, after the 5 year FSS program the participant may obtain the full amount of escrow funds in his or her account!
Here are some inspiring stories from our residents!
Meet the FSS Coordinators
Our FSS coordinators are based at the Roanoke EnVision Center and Villages at Lincoln. If you have any questions or want to enroll, feel free to contact them or visit the center Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
HEATHER BRUSH
Lead FSS Coordinator
Email: HBrush@rkehousing.org
Phone: 540-206-2749
LYNELLE LEWIS
FSS Coordinator
Email: LLewis@rkehousing.org
Phone: 540-206-2799
NATALIE KLINE
Villages at Lincoln FSS Coordinator
Email: Nkline@rkehousing.org
Phone: 540-922-6740
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