TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file the presentation of the 2019 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) or Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) holder are the only requirements 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 as 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 21 graduates for the Housing Authority FSS Program for calendar year 2019. The highest escrow paid to a participant was $28,427. Together they represent over $259,639 of awarded escrow money.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard F. Anthony on January 22, 2020 and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on January 27, 2020.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Housing Authority Commission action is requested on February 11, 2020, to ensure compliance with Housing Authority Bylaws and continued o...
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