Family Self-Sufficiency Program

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program of the Memphis Housing Authority (MHA) enables housing assisted families of the MHA to increase their earned income and reduce the dependency on welfare assistance and rental subsidies.   

What are the key features of the FSS program?

• Financial Incentives for residents to increase their earnings in the form of an escrow or savings account that increases as residents’ earnings increase.
• Case Management or Coaching to help residents access services they may need to overcome barriers to employment, strengthen their financial capability, and address other challenges holding them back from achieving their goals.
• Personal Goal Development to include but not limited to:
• Educational advancement (e.g. GED or post-secondary)
• Completion of specialized job training
• Obtaining employment
• Career advancement
• Small business development
• Transitioning out of subsidized housing
• Home ownership

 What are the benefits of the FSS program?

• Dedicated FSS case manager
• Free certified one on one financial counseling through the Greater Memphis Financial Empowerment Center
• Referrals to community partners for a variety of services
• Individual saving accounts supported by RISE Foundation
• HUD funded savings account
• HUD home ownership program
• Ability to convert Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance to mortgage assistance
• Voluntary participation up to five (5) years

 What’s required to enroll in the FSS program?

• Be a current Housing Choice Voucher or Public Housing participant
• Agree to a 5-year Contract of Participation and an Individualized Service Plan to set family goals and be motivated to complete your goals.
• Be willing and able to seek and maintain employment

• Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) Recipients Only - Complete the HCVP FSS Pre-Application and return it to the HCV FSS Coordinator in the HCVP office.  Interested applicants will be placed on the HCV FSS Program Interest List. 

 How is the FSS program governed?

The FSS program works collaboratively with a Program Coordinating Committee that helps to secure resources and coordinates services and programs in the community to aide FSS participants in achieving economic independence.  The membership body of the Program Coordinating Committee is comprised of the following organizations and individuals:

• HCVP Residents Contact: Sheila Hooks at (901) 544-1347 or at HCV.FSS@memphisha.org
• Public Housing Residents Contact: Kawanna Poe at (901) 544-1357 or at PH.FSS@memphisha.org

 Click here to download a recruitment flyer or here for the HCV FSS Brochure