Family Self-Sufficiency Program

Investing in the financial future of DCHA families.

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a 5- to 7- year program designed to assist DCHA Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) families achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency.

As a part of the program, each participating family is assigned to an FSS Coordinator, who directly supports families in reaching their financial goals.

GET STARTED

Submit a completed FSS Interest Form and take the first step toward financial self-sufficiency!

Get Started with FSS

BENEFITS & SERVICES

In addition to a general needs assessment, FSS participants work towards intermediate goals based on three program pathways.

DCHA offers three Pathways to Success:

Education

Financial literacy education
College or higher education assistance

Homeownership

Credit counseling
Homeownership preparation

Employment

Access to professional development resources and training such as:

Job readiness through the Workforce Development Initiative (WDI) and EnVision Center
Temporary job placements through Section 3
Resume guidance and writing
Employment opportunities with local District organizations

A Program Expert to Guide Families

The FSS Coordinator

A family’s assigned FSS Coordinator connects the participant to any related resources and services that are available across the District.

OTHER BENEFITS

Participants may also be eligible for Incentive Investments based on enrollment or completion of one of the Pathways to Success.

Some incentive benefits may include:

EDUCATION PATHWAY

Tuition support towards higher education

EMPLOYMENT PATHWAY

Monthly support for continuous employment

HOMEOWNERSHIP PATHWAY

Home mortgage support

ELIGIBILITY

Participants must meet the following criteria in order to enroll in the FSS Program:

Be a Participant of DCHA’s Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) or be a Resident of DCHA’s Public Housing Program

Be the Head of Household

Be willing to sign a Contract of Participation (CoP)**

Additionally, eligibility for the three FSS Pathways to Success is subject to income limitations. Please complete the FSS interest form to learn more.

**A CoP is a 5-year minimum term agreement that outlines the responsibilities of the family and the FSS program. Participants who withdraw or are terminated from FSS will not be penalized but will lose their Incentive Investment benefits.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Ready to take part in the program? Complete a FSS Interest Form to get started.

Click here to begin a FSS Interest Form

Please allow up to 5 business days for a reply.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Office of Resident Services

Email: orsprograms@dchousing.org

Participants already in the FSS program can direct any questions to their assigned FSS Coordinator.

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