Housing Authority of the County of Dauphin

WHAT IS THE FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY (FSS) PROGRAM?

FSS is a program offered by the Dauphin County Housing Authority to assist participants to become financially independent and self-sufficient.  FSS focuses on such areas as education, job training, job placement and addressing other family needs.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FSS PROGRAM?

All participants in the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) and Public Housing residents are eligible to participate, and encouraged to participate, in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?

If you decide to join the FSS Program, the FSS staff will:

• Provide you with a Contract of Participation

• Help you develop your own personal service plan based on the goals you set

• Refer you to services and other agencies that will assist you

• Open and maintain an Escrow Account when appropriate

• Provide other Supportive Services

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?

• Have no lease violations

• Pay rent on time

• Sign the Contract of Participation which is in effect for five years

• Establish goals, including the ultimate goal of freedom from the need for government assistance

• Further education or job training or seek employment

WHAT IS THE ESCROW ACCOUNT?

• The Escrow Account is a type of savings account for the participant which is opened when the participant has employment income.  Once the participant's portion of the rent increases because of higher income, the Authority places, generally an amount equivalent to the rental increase in the Escrow Account every month on behalf of the participant.  The monthly amount deposited increases as income and rent increase, but can also decrease with a decrease in income.  Some participants have accumulated nearly $10,000 in their escrow accounts.

WHOM DO I CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION?

If you are interested in the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, please call either Kim Wagner at (717) 939-0109 or Cynthia Swanson at (717) 939-7884