The Family Self Sufficiency Program

The Brownsville Housing Authority has sponsored family Self Sufficiency Program (FSS) since 1992.  In addition to providing housing subsidies to needy families, the Family Self-Sufficiency program is designed to encourage economic self-sufficiency.  Although the program's goals are long term (five years approximately), short-term efforts are already demonstrating progress for participants.  FSS enrollees (96 families) are able to use part of the housing assistance payments to establish an escrow account.  Escrow accounts may be used to purchase a home, further their education or assist with major medical bills.  There are sixty five (65) families with escrow accounts currently in the program.  This program encourages and requires residents to invest their time and energy by working and/or attending school towards an education.  This is a voluntary program offered to residents of Section 8 Housing.  (Some terms and conditions apply).  Currently there are 115 families in the Program.  The FSS Program together with the Tenant Services Department, provide residents the opportunity to participate in many of their services, residents the opportunity to participate in many of their services, depending on their needs and goals