Family Self-Sufficiency Program

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) combines Section 8 housing assistance and public, private, and community services to help unemployed, under-employed, and low income residents to achieve economic independence. When housing is stable, families are able to invest their energy in other efforts including education, job training, and suitable employment that are necessary to achieve self-sufficiency. A significant component of the FSS Program is the establishment of an escrow account for you and your family. As your earned income increases, your rent will increase whether you are in FSS Program or not. However, if you are in the FSS Program a certain percentage of your rent increase will be held for you in an interest bearing account, which you will receive in full at the completion of your contract. We have had several FSS participants who are single parents use their escrow $ for a down payment on a home. Please call Diane Cohen today to discuss your participation in the Chelsea Housing Authority’s Family Self– Sufficiency Program. She can be reached at 617-884-5617, ext 12. This is HUD’s only asset building Program.