Family Self-Sufficiency Program

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program was established in 1990 by section 554 of the National Affordable Housing Act.  The objective of the program is to reduce the dependency of families currently residing in public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.  Families participating in the FSS program are provided opportunities for education, job training, counseling, and other forms of social services assistance to obtain the education, employment, and business and social skills necessary to achieve self-sufficiency.

The Housing Authority of Joliet’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program is an innovative, voluntary participation program that helps Housing Choice Voucher Program participants achieve economic independence over a five-year period.  A case manager works closely with program participants to assist in identifying personal strengths, setting both short and long-term achievable program goals, removing potential barriers to program participation, and successful completion of and graduation from the program.  The overall goal of the program is to help families become financially independent and free of government assistance and subsidies.

Through a partnership with multiple community and private agencies, the Housing Authority of Joliet is able to provide Family Self-Sufficiency Program participants with access to services that are essential to success.  This network of service providers assists the Housing Authority of Joliet with program vision and coordination and provides access to programs associated with educational advancement, academic counseling, scholarship opportunities, job readiness and placement opportunities, career counseling, employment opportunities, day care services, transportation assistance, healthcare assistance, family counseling, financial literacy and money management, life skills and self-esteem enhancement, legal assistance, and homeownership opportunities.

For more information, please contact our FSS Program Coordinator:

Andrea Finch
815-727-0611, extension 160
Email Andrea Finch