Resident Services & Programs

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) established the Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) in 1990. The purpose of this program is to help families (with the help of community services) become self-sufficient by attaining established goals. In this 5-year program (some families need less time), families can establish an escrow account (a savings account) that is often used to help pay for such things as a college education, a car, and/or the down payment on a new home.

We help you determine goals you can reach within five years or less, and refer you to resources that can assist you in reaching those goals. We also make it possible for you to save money when your rent increases because of an increase in earned income (employment).

Goals

A participant's goals are specific to each person. They are designed to guide participants toward self-sufficiency. We can assist you with career counseling to help you determine the best careers that will help you succeed in a field that uses your natural abilities. An individual's goals can include:

• Completing an educational or training program
• Credit building or repair
• Getting a full-time or better-paying job
• Homeownership
• Personal development
• Another idea that suits your own personal dreams

Life's experiences can change one's goals and aspirations. For this reason, participants can change their goals up to their fourth year in the program. After four years in the program, the goals listed in the participant's file must be completed in order to graduate from the program.

Escrow

The amount of money earned in an escrow account depends upon the individual participant.

It's up to You!

The goals you set represent your hopes and dreams. This is your life. You tell us where you want to go. Then we help you create a map to get there!

Are you ready to start changing your life?

Enrollment Limitations

There are limited slots available for our FSS Program. To qualify, an applicant must be a Public Housing Resident or an (HCV) Section 8 Voucher holder of the City of Fort Pierce Housing Authority. Section 8 voucher holders who have ported from another housing authority must already be FSS participants in the original housing authority. Obtain an FSS application, complete and return it to our main office at:
511 Orange Avenue
Fort Pierce, FL 34950

Be sure to include a phone number and the best time for us to contact you.

Program Coordinating Committee (PCC)

The PCC is an advisory committee to the FSS Program. It represents various community organizations. We meet monthly to discuss problems and obstacles that impede the progress of our FSS participants and find creative ways to assist them to become more successful. Among the many things with which these organizations assist our participants are:

• Finding employment (and training for employment)
• Helping with their resumes
• Offering educational classes and seminars
• Providing credit counseling
• Providing food and clothing banks
• Teaching financial literacy

When our participants have a need, our PCC is committed to finding resources to assist them.