Community Services
FSS is one of several community programs HACY offers to support residents on their path to stability.
Family Self-Sufficiency Programs
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a voluntary program that helps families assisted by the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Public Housing (PH) Programs increase their earned income, reduce dependency on welfare assistance, and build a path toward long-term economic independence.
FSS is designed to motivate participants, help them identify career goals, and overcome barriers that may be preventing them from achieving those goals. Low-income families receive access to education, job training, counseling, and other social services while living in assisted housing. These resources help participants build the skills needed to achieve self-sufficiency.
HACY's FSS Program takes a community-based approach to organizing and delivering locally available services. The program identifies the needs of each participating family and provides a coordinated set of services tailored to their situation. A Program Coordinating Committee (PCC), with membership representative of the community served, the target population, and HACY itself, guides the program.
Each head of household and qualified adult participating family member receives a personal service plan and FSS contract. These contracts clearly outline both the requirements and the benefits of the program. Once participants are profiled, they are referred to the appropriate support agencies to help them overcome obstacles on the road to self-sufficiency.
FSS is one of several community programs HACY offers to support residents on their path to stability.
HACY provides a full range of support to FSS participants throughout the program. Services include:
One of the most powerful features of the FSS Program is the escrow savings account. As a participant's earned income increases, the portion of their rent that would otherwise go up is instead deposited into an interest-bearing escrow account held in the participant's name.
Participants who successfully complete the FSS Program and meet their contract goals receive the full balance of their escrow account. These funds can be used toward homeownership, education, starting a business, or any other goal that supports continued self-sufficiency. The escrow account turns each step of progress into real, tangible savings.
HACY's FSS Program has served participants for nearly two decades and consistently meets or exceeds HUD Logic Model Requirements for community services. The program serves approximately 300 housing program participants at any given time.
Results from recent years reflect the program's impact on families across Yuma:
Over 150 families have successfully completed the FSS Program, reaching the goals set in their individual FSS contracts.
Approximately 100 families, including public housing participants, have purchased a home with support from the FSS Program.
HACY has been recognized as a Most Valuable Partner by HUD and is acknowledged as the state's largest and most successful FSS program.
Ready to learn more or get started? Reach out directly to one of our Family Self-Sufficiency specialists.
FSS Specialist
FSS Specialist
FSS Specialist
The FSS Program is a voluntary opportunity open to Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing participants. There is no cost to join. Our specialists are here to help you set goals, connect with resources, and start building real savings through your escrow account.
Call our main office at (928) 782-3823 and ask for the FSS Program team, or contact any of the specialists listed above directly.