TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file presentation of the Housing Authority Family Self-Sufficiency Graduates. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The goal of the Housing Authority Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program is to enable low-income families to achieve economic independence by addressing families’ needs for housing, education, employment and supportive services, ultimately relying less on public subsidies. This program collaborates with public and private organizations to supply participants with tools necessary to develop and execute long-range career plans. Being a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) holder or Veteran’s Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) is the only requirement for enrollment in the FSS program.
Upon entry, participants determine the interim goals that they would like to achieve, with full employment being the required final goal. The Section 8 and VASH programs are income-based and any increase in household income will result in the family paying a higher rent. When the FSS participants’ rent portion increases due to higher earnings, the Housing Authority’s federally funded rental subsidy, on behalf of the family, will be decreased. This savings in rental subsidy is placed into an escrow account for the participant where it accrues interest. These escrow funds are awarded to the participant after five years of participation, or sooner, if they have met their interim and final goals.
Attached is the list of 22 graduates for the Housing Authority FSS Program for calendar year 2014. The highest escrow paid to a participant was $24,465. Together they represent over $154,934 of awarded escrow money.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Vu on January 27, 2015, and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on January 28, 2015.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Housing Authority Commission action is requested on March 3, 2015 to ensure compliance with Housing Authority Bylaws and continued operations of the Housing Authority.
FISC...
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