The Housing Authority’s FSS Program helps participants save money while working on their education, careers, and personal goals.
FSS is a program that focuses on helping participants become more financially stable and work towards their own path to economic independence and well-being. Every participant joins with their own unique goals, which may include:
- Earning a college degree
- Starting a new career
- Starting a business
- Paying off debt
- Improving credit
FSS Coordinators work closely with participants to set goals, create a plan, and find resources to help them succeed. They also provide support and guidance to help families make positive changes and improve their well-being.
While participants work on their goals, the Housing Authority manages a savings account that helps them build financial assets. When they graduate from the program and meet their goals, they receive the money they’ve saved.
For more information, contact an FSS Coordinator today:
Andrea Selva (831) 454-5990 | [email protected] | Last Names starting with A-M
Lupe Murguia (831) 454-5994 | [email protected] | Last Names starting with N-Z
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FSS Program? The FSS program is a FREE, 5-year program designed to help families with Housing Choice Vouchers (sometimes called Section 8) become more financially independent. As your income from work increases, a portion of your rent is saved in an account for you. When you complete the program, you get all the money that’s been saved. |
Do I keep my Housing Choice Voucher during and after the FSS program? Yes, participants and graduates of the FSS program keep their Housing Choice Voucher both during and after the program. |
What kind of goals will I need to meet in the FSS Program? You will work with a Coordinator to set personal goals. The two main goals for all participants are: – Everyone in your household is off of cash welfare assistance at the time of graduation. – The head of household must find and maintain suitable employment. Other goals could include: – Completing a GED or getting a college degree. – Completing job training or a welfare-to-work program. – Getting a better job or a promotion. – Increasing your income through raises or more hours worked. |
What are the benefits of joining the FSS Program? – The opportunity to build savings as your income increases. – Support in reaching personal and financial goals. – Help with increasing your income through better jobs or promotions. |
What happens if I don’t meet my goals within five years? There is NO penalty for not completing the program. However, you will not receive the savings that have been set aside for you unless you meet your goals within the 5-year period. |
What do I need to do to enroll in the FSS Program? To enroll, you sign a Contract of Participation that outlines your goals and your plan to reach them. Every year, we will ask you to update us on your progress. You can also ask to make changes to your goals as needed. |
What happens when I complete the FSS Program? When you’ve met your goals, notify your FSS Coordinator. We will review your file and make sure you’ve met all program requirements. Then, we will issue a check with the savings from your account, which you can use however you choose. |
Are there any limits on what I can do with the money I receive from the FSS Program? No, there are no restrictions on how you use the money. Some families use it to pay off debt, buy a car, further their education, or meet other important financial goals. |
Can I join the FSS Program now? Yes, however, the Housing Authority has a limited number of slots for the FSS Program. If you’re interested in enrolling, contact us to check availability. There’s nothing to lose by joining, and it’s a great way to work toward financial independence! |
FUP-Youth and FYI Voucher Holders
If you are a young adult with a Family Unification Program (FUP) Youth voucher or a Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) voucher, you may qualify for additional housing support through Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities (FSHO) program. What does this mean for you? – Extra Time for Housing Assistance: Typically, FUP and FYI vouchers are limited to 36 months of assistance. But if you enroll in the FSS program, you can extend this support by up to 24 more months — giving you up to 5 years of housing assistance. – Financial Benefits: By joining the FSS program, you can build savings in a special account called escrow. As your income grows, so do your savings. When you graduate from the program, you get all the money in your account to use however you’d like, such as for education, paying off debt, or other important goals. – Support from a Coordinator: You’ll have an FSS Coordinator to help you set personal goals, work toward financial stability, and connect you with resources for career development, education, and more. What Do You Need to Do? Enroll in the FSS Program: To get the 24-month extension on your housing assistance, you need to sign up for the FSS program and sign an FSS Contract of Participation. You must also follow the FSS program requirements to keep the extension. |