For the first time, housing agencies from around the region celebrated more than 70 individuals who are on their paths to success. The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA), the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, the District of Columbia Housing Authority, and Rockville Housing Enterprises held a joint celebration for graduates of the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the national FSS program assist residents in increasing their earned income in order to decrease their reliance on housing subsidies. The FCRHA’s program focuses on all of the barriers that are likely get in the way of self-sufficiency, including education, training, budgeting, credit repair, savings, transportation, childcare and affordable health care.
“The FSS program really helps families,” noted Ms. Somuah. “It allowed me to further my education and I now have a job meeting families that have gone through what I have been through.”
Over a five year period, FSS provides participants with individualized case management, referrals to resources and services and, guidance in goal setting and achievement. Families in the FSS program have an interest-bearing escrow account established for them. If the family successfully completes its FSS contract, the family receives the escrow funds and can use them for any purpose, including debt reduction to improve credit scores, paying for educational expenses, or as a down payment on a home.
For more information on the FCRHA’s FSS program, please visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/housing/residentservices/family-self-sufficiency.