Family Self-Sufficiency - FSS

Family Self-Sufficiency

What is the Family Self-Sufficiency Program?
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) is designed to help families receiving rental assistance to become self- supporting.

This program is voluntary and open to all families receiving Section 8 assistance through the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority IV. The only requirements are a desire to become self-sufficient and a willingness to take the steps to make this happen. The FSS Program provides support and assistance to the entire family for up to five years.

How does the FSS Program work?
The head of household enters into a five-year contract with the MRHA IV. This contract contains a service plan that identifies the employment goal of the participant and outlines the activities and services necessary to achieve this goal. The FSS Coordinator helps the family obtain the services listed in the plan. The MRHA IV establishes a savings account when the family increases its earned income.

Services Provided

The FSS Coordinator can help you find the services you need to become self-sufficient, such as:

  • Job Training
  • Child Care
  • Educational Programs, including GED classes
  • Counseling
  • Case Management
  • The Savings Account

When your rent goes up 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.

What's the Catch?

To complete the program, you must be working and all family members must be off public assistance for at least the last 12 months of the five-year contract.

How can I join?
To find out more about the FSS Program, contact the FSS Coordinator.