About the Program
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a 5-year program that provides supportive counseling, financial education, and credit success workshops to Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher holders and Project-Based Voucher recipients.
FSS program participants will work one-on-one with a program coordinator to develop an action plan to achieve their goals – whether it be to secure employment, further education, purchase a home, or start a business.
FSS program participants will receive a financial incentive of an escrow account in their name that they will have access to after graduating the program. The maximum funds a participant can receive is $25,000.
- Must be an RCAP Solutions’ Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher holder or Project-Based Voucher recipient
- Be ready, willing, and able to try new and exciting things
During the program period, participants work individually with a program coordinator to set and pursue goals related to education, job training, money management, childcare and transportation.
Throughout the program, if any of your rent calculations reflect an increase due to higher wages, money is deposited in an interest earning savings account. Upon graduation, participants receive a check with their earnings.
Participation is voluntary and separate from your Section 8 case with us. Participants do not lose their Section 8 voucher upon graduation.
Withdrawal or termination from the program results in the participant forfeiting funds in the escrow account but does not change their vouchers status.
FSS Participants meet with their program coordinator to define personal goals and set up a multi-year plan.
Everyone’s goals are different, but common goals include:
- Obtaining GED/HiSET
- Obtaining a college degree
- Obtaining suitable employment
- Financial capability: budgeting, credit repair, etc.
- Preparation for homeownership
- Starting a small business
RCAP Solutions sets up an escrow account for the participating family. If the family’s earned income increases during the program, an increase is reflected in their escrow account. The money stays in the escrow account and earns interest until the family finishes the program.
To receive the money, the family must complete the program and meet all the terms of their contract. The head of the family must have a job, and all members of the family must be off of public cash benefits assistance for the last 12 months of the program.
RCAP Solutions works with welfare agencies, schools, businesses and other local partners to develop a comprehensive program that gives participating FSS family members the skills and experience to enable them to obtain employment that pays a living wage.
RCAP Solutions provides information and referrals to supportive services within the community, such as:
- Financial capability workshops, including credit repair, personal spending plans and financial planning for future goals
- Educational opportunities, job training and employment counseling
- Child care
- Transportation
- Substance/alcohol abuse treatment or counseling
- Household skill training
- Homeownership counseling
FSS Savings Match Homeownership Program
The FSS Savings Match Homeownership Program (SMHP) is designed for higher income earners who are interested in purchasing a home. This program can help you achieve your goal of owning a home by matching your savings.
Benefits include:
- Financial assistance that matches household savings 3-to-1, up to $12,000 (matched savings/escrow) towards a down payment
- Workshops and trainings to prepare you for homeownership
- Learn about ONE Mortgage, a high-quality, 30-year fixed rate mortgage option with no private mortgage insurance required
- $5,000 homeownership bonus in a post-purchase reserve account
FSS Program Coordinating Committee (PCC)
We aim to engage local support agencies to create an advisory and referral network. Additionally, we welcome expert feedback on how our program can improve and better serve participants by identifying service gaps. We support a holistic method of supporting our participants and fellow community service agencies and believe that we can all benefit from a mutual connection between agencies and participants.
Interested in joining the committee? We meet three times per year via Zoom to discuss upcoming community or agency events, network, streamline referral processes, and simply connect.
If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering on the Program Coordinating Committee (PCC), please contact us via email: FSS@rcapsolutions.org or phone: (774) 239-6796
Have questions? Looking for assistance?
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about these services, please contact us via email: FSS@rcapsolutions.org or phone: (774) 239-6796
FSS Program Helps Housing Choice Voucher Participants Achieve Their Goals
This video features two proud participants of the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, who are not just meeting their goals – but exceededing them!