Family Self-Sufficiency

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a five- to seven-year program designed to assist customers achieve economic self-sufficiency. Each participant is assigned to an FSS coordinator who meets regularly with them to help work toward their goals. The intermediary goals are based on three program tracks DCHA offers in addition to a general needs assessment. DCHA offers the following pathways to success: Education, Employment, and Homeownership.

To assist participants with reaching their goals, the following services are available:

• Case management with their assigned FSS coordinator
• Referrals to services
• Credit counseling
• Financial literacy training
• Homeownership preparation
• Employment services

Program Benefits

Participants are eligible for Incentive Investments based on enrollment or completion of one of the pathways to success. For example:

• Education – participants can receive up to $2,000 a year towards tuition
• Employment – participants receive $600 for every 12 consecutive months of employment and an income exclusion
• Homeownership – participants can receive up to $10,000 toward their mortgage

Program Eligibility

Customers must meet the following criteria in order to participate in FSS:

• Head of household in DCHA’s Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) or public housing program.

To find out more about the program, contact us at (202) 535-1000.