Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program                                  

Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator

What is the Family Self-Sufficiency Program?

The Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program’s objective is to enable participating families to achieve economic independence and self sufficiency by combining both private and public resources to provide supportive services needed by the family.  This program brings participants into the economic mainstream through a comprehensive program, counseling, job training, education, and job placement services.  Another goal is to assist the under-employed in obtaining better jobs and becoming free of housing subsidies through education in money management and homeownership.

Who is Eligible?

This program is available to participants on the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. You must live in Section 8 housing to be eligible to participate on the Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program.

How does the program work?

Once you have applied for the program and have been accepted, you will meet with the FSS Coordinator to discuss your goals. The big question is “Where do you want to be in regards to housing, education and employment within the next five (5) years? You will determine the goals you want to reach with the coordinators assistance and will enter into a five (5) year contract with the Biloxi Housing Authority. You can review the Action Plan here for the  SECTION 8 PROGRAM.

The goals that you set for yourself will be the main terms of the contract.  As you receive rental assistance and your earned income increases, your rent will increase. The housing authority will setup an Escrow Account for you and will make monthly deposits based on the difference of the rent increase. As the term of your contract progresses the account will earn interest and at the end of the five year contract you will receive the balance of the Escrow Account, provided you have met and completed all of the goals stated in your contract. You must be completely independent and free of any welfare assistance for at least one (1) year prior to completion of your contract. If a participant fails to meet the goals and terms of the contract, all escrow account funds will be recaptured and the participant will be terminated from the FSS program. This will not affect the housing assistance the participant receives unless termination results from a section 8 program violation. For more information, please contact the BHA FSS Coordinator.