TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file the presentation of the 2018 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 the tools necessary to develop and execute long-range career plans. Being a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) holder 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 and being welfare-free are the required final goals. The Section 8 HCV program is income-based and any increase in earned 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 or when the participant has met their interim and final goals.
Attached is the list of the 29 graduates for the Housing Authority FSS Program for calendar year 2018. The highest escrow paid to a participant was $38,830. Together they represent over $293,323 of awarded escrow money.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on January 23, 2019 and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on January 29, 2019.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Housing Authority Commission action is requested on February 12, 2019, to ensure compliance with Housing Authority Bylaws and continued operations of the Housing Authority.
FISCAL IMPACT
The...
Click here for full text