FSS (Family Self-Sufficiency) is a 5 year program designed to help participants achieve economic self-sufficiency goals. DHA has provided the FSS program for over 19 years and during that time participants have earned over three million dollars! What is FSS? ​ The goal of the FSS program is to encourage economic self-sufficiency through Education, Career Building, and Financial Literacy. When a resident enters the program, they sign a Contract of Participation (C.O.P) which denotes their current income and rent. When a participant’s rent increases above this amount due to an increase in earned income, the difference is deposited into an escrow account. FSS Coordinators provide direct case management, referrals to outside agencies, job readiness training, and financial Literacy services for low-income families living in Section 8 or Public Housing. FSS Coordinators monitor a participants’ achievements and goals and provide guidance to help them continue to progress towards self-sufficiency. Who can join the FSS Program? DHA Residents (HCV- voucher holders and Public Housing Residence) Residents who are 18 and older (must be part of the lease to join FSS) Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Family Unification Program (FUP) FSS Program is open to all ports from different housing Authorities For more information, send us an email at FSS@denverhousing.org Who is not eligible to join the FSS program? Tax Credit residence Multi-Family residence Market Rate residence How does a participant receive funds from their escrow account? Participants in the program must attain certain goals to graduate from the program and “cash-out” the funds in their escrow. The following goals are required of all participants: Attain Suitable Employment. No TANF in the household before C.O.P ends. For more information on the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, call 720-956-3801 or email fss@denverhousing.org FSS Program Successes Since the program began at DHA 394 residents have successfully completed the program and cashed out escrow funds. Several participants have earned over $35,000 in their FSS escrow account! Many FSS Program participants have gone on to purchase a home with assistance from DHA’s Homeownership Program For more information on the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, call 720-956-3817 or email fss@denverhousing.org or click below for an overview of the FSS programs.