Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS)

Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS)

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a voluntary program for eligible Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Public Housing participants. The FSS program promotes economic independence and self-sufficiency by providing various services ranging from case management and referrals to supportive services. In FSS program, families increase their earned income and reduce their dependency on welfare assistance and rental subsidies.

Family Self-Sufficiency Program Enrollment
The Housing Authority of Kansas City, Missouri (HAKC) program maintains a waiting list that includes families that are not able to enroll at the time of initial contact due to program capacity limit or eligibility status. The waiting list includes the name, contact information for the head of household and the date of their interest to enroll in FSS.

At the time for enrollment, HAKC will contact families on the waiting list. Enrollment invitation is based on a first-come, first-served. HAKC will contact these families by mailing invitation letters, emails, and phone calls based on the information the families provided on the waiting list.

Family Self-Sufficiency Eligibility

Must be in Housing Authority of Kansas City Public Housing or HCV program for over 1 year.
Must be willing to be employed and maintain employment.
Must have a desire to become self-sufficient.
Must be willing to sign a 5-year contract of participation.
Must be willing to meet with a case manager on a regular basis.

What are the Benefits of the Family Self-Sufficiency program?

Provides you with Case Management.
Helps you to gain economic independence.
Links you to various services.
Establishment of escrow savings account (saving a portion of rental increase after enrollment).
Helps you find and retain stable employment.
Provides career and life skills coaching.
Prepares you to Homeownership Readiness.
Provides Financial Coaching and Credit Repair.
Provides Health and Wellness Education.

FSS Escrow Savings Account:

When you enroll in FSS, your current Tenant Total Payment (TTP) is your program baseline rent. As your family’s income goes up after enrollment, HAKC & HUD will match the TTP rent increase every month and deposit the difference from baseline into your escrow savings account. At the time of program completion, HAKC will release all the saved escrow funds to the family. These lump sums grow with interest and are not taxed. The family can use the funds for their family needs, homeownership down payment, or other personal uses they wish.

Frequently Mistaken About FSS Program:

FSS program is not a Homeownership program.
FSS is not a program where you can stay unemployed and expect to graduate.
FSS is not a program that puts you at risk of losing your housing subsidy.
FSS is not a program to enroll in, you must be employed.

Contact FSS program:

Felix Makachia, Program Coordinator
Housing Authority of Kansas City Family Self-Sufficiency Program
3822 Summit Street Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone: 816.968.4150

Email Felix
Email FSS Program

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Frequently Asked Questions:

The FSS program is a voluntary program for participants in both the Housing Choice Voucher and the Public Housing programs. The purpose of this program is to assist individuals in improving their economic status by reducing their dependence on public assistance.

By participating in the FSS program, you receive the opportunity to:

Receive an escrow savings account
Career planning/job training
Completion of high school diploma or G.E.D.
Homeownership counseling
Referrals to supportive services

To enroll in this program, you must:

Have a housing choice voucher or live in the housing authority’s public housing
Be in good standing with the housing authority
Have a desire to accomplish your personal goals
You must be willing to meet with a case manager