Family Self Sufficiency Program (FSS)
-
What is FSS?
How does the FSS Program work?
Services provided?
The Escrow (Savings) Account?
To Find Out How to Join?What is FSS?
FSS is a program designed to assist families receiving governmental assistance to improve their economic situation and reduce their dependence on public assistance. This program is voluntary and open to all families receiving public assistance in the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program administered through the Punta Gorda Housing Authority. (Return to Top)How does the FSS Program work?
Head of Household enters into a Contract of Participation with the Punta Gorda Housing Authority for five years. This contract contains an Individual Training and Service Plan that identifies the employment goal of the participant and outlines the activities and services necessary to achieve this goal. The FSS Program Coordinator helps the family obtain the services listed in the plan. (Return to Top)Services provided:
The FSS Program Coordinator can help a participant find the resources needed to become self-sufficient. Including but not limited to:- Job Training
- Child Care Assistance
- Educational Programs (including GED and College Classes)
- Job, School, and Financial Application Assistance
- Transportation Assistance
- Employment Opportunities
- Counseling/Case Management (Return to Top)
The Escrow (Savings) Account
When a participant’s rent increases due to an increase in your earnings, the amount of the increase will be placed in a savings account for you and your family. You will receive all of the money in your account, plus interest, when the FSS Contract is successfully completed. Successful completion of the contract includes suitable employment, 12 consecutive months free of TANF (temporary assistance to needy families) for at least the last 12 months of contract and all goals of contract are completed. (Return to Top)How to Join
Contact: FSS Program Coordinator at the Punta Gorda Housing Authority, 340 Gulf Breeze Ave., Punta Gorda, FL 33950 (941) 639-4344, Ext. 403. (Return to Top)