Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency Program

Overview

The Raleigh Housing Authority (RHA) opted to provide a voluntary Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program in October 1998 after participating in a mandatory program for a number of years. In addition to filling the mandated slots, RHA exceeded program enrollment, creating a “reservoir” of program participants. This reservoir makes up the voluntary portion of the FSS program and is the means for replacing vacated mandated slots. (Vacated slots are unsuccessful contract completions.) In accordance with federal regulations, RHA will gradually phase out and eliminate the existing FSS program when all mandated slots are counted as “successful completions”. The status of those slots is shown below:

Projected Phase Out

After evaluating the status of participants who comprise the current mandated slots, and the enrollment reservoir from which vacated mandated slots are replaced, we project that all mandated slots will be successfully phased out by 2006. Once all mandated slots are successfully graduated, remaining program participants will be allowed to continue under the existing program, in accordance with their contract, or opt to transfer into the KEYS program. (If transferred, the participant will forfeit any accumulated escrow under the former FSS program.)

Escrow Calculation and Accumulation

In regards to participants who fill mandated slots under the existing FSS program, RHA is bound by current HUD guidelines for escrow calculation and accumulation.

Early Withdrawal of Escrow Funds

The Housing Authority may, at its sole discretion, disburse a portion of funds from the participant’s escrow account during the contract period for expenses necessary for contract completion as defined in the FSS Handbook. The participant can request an early withdrawal once per calendar year. If early withdrawal is approved, the participant:

Must provide a written request and appropriate documentation substantiating the expenditure.

Can receive no more than 25% of their escrow balance towards the approved expenditure.

Must contribute 25% of personal funds towards the approved expenditure. (The participant must provide copies of either a certified check or money order as proof of their paid portion.)

Termination of the Contract of Participation

Contract termination results in forfeiture of escrow proceeds and occurs when:

The participant and the Housing Authority agree to mutually terminate the contract.

The participant withdraws from the FSS program.

The participant’s Section 8 assistance is terminated.

The Housing Authority determines there is noncompliance with the public housing lease.

The Housing Authority determines that the participant has not fulfilled his/her responsibilities under the contract or has not made satisfactory progress.

The participant shows dormant activity for three (3) consecutive months and/or is non responsive to contacts from RHA.

Changes in regulations affect the FSS program.

Additionally: The Housing Authority will give written notice of termination, stating the specific reason for the adverse action.

Portability of Section 8 FSS Program

“A relocating FSS family may participate in the FSS program of the receiving Housing Authority (HA), if the receiving HA allows the family to participate in its program. If the receiving HA allows the relocating FSS family to participate in its FSS program, the receiving HA will enter into a new contract of participation with the FSS family for the term on the remaining contract with the initial HA. The initial HA will terminate its contract of participation with the family. When a FSS family is absorbed by the receiving HA, the initial HA will transfer the family’s FSS account to the receiving HA.”

Federal Regulations: 24CFR 984.306

Successful Completion and Measurable Outcome

Successful contract completion is defined as:

Having satisfactorily met all contract terms within the specified timeframe.

Having fulfilled program goals resulting in successful attainment of personal goals as outlined in the participant’s Individual Service Plan.

Or when

Thirty percent (30%) of the family’s monthly-adjusted income equals or is greater than the fair market rent for the size unit for which the family qualifies.