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Family Self-Sufficiency Program

The Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency Program (PH-FSS) is promoted by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is designed to help families living in public housing developments create plans to move toward independence and reduce or eliminate their needs for public assistance. Created in 1990 through the National Affordable Housing Act, FSS has helped thousands of families across the country.

The program, which can take up to 5 years to complete, offers families the chance to control their own success by planning work and life goals of their choosing, becoming networked to services for the whole family and giving valuable input into the program itself through participation on an FSS committee. It also allows them to create savings that will become theirs when they complete the program.

Once selected, the head of family completes an individual plan (ITSP) and signs a Contract of Participation. Progress is supported and monitored by confidential case management services.

Eligibility and Selection:
If you are a resident at a Franklin Housing Authority property, you may be eligible for the FSS program. Since registration spots are limited, priority in selection will be based on the following:

  • Participation in supportive services or other FHA activities
  • Participation in orientation meetings for FHA's FSS program
  • Length of time in housing
  • In some cases, date of response 

Please note: Residents who are not current with their rent or other payments to FHA will not be selected.

Contact Chris Ward at 615-794-1247 ext. 213 to find out more and to be placed on the mailing list.