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Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Build Your Goals. Grow Your Future.
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program helps residents of HUD-assisted housing work toward greater financial independence. Through personalized goal setting, employment and educational resources, financial coaching, and connections to community services,
FSS helps participating families build skills, increase earned income, and work toward long-term economic stability.
For eligible participants, increased earned income may also help build savings through an FSS escrow account.
Contact the FSS Coordinator
Dedham Housing Authority
163 Dedham Boulevard
Dedham, MA 02026
781-326-3543
Office Hours:
M 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
T 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
W Closed
Th 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
F 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
What Is the FSS Program?
Family Self-Sufficiency is a voluntary HUD program designed to help families receiving housing assistance achieve their employment and financial goals.
The program combines the stability of affordable housing with individualized support and connections to resources that can help you move toward greater economic independence.
FSS participants work with an FSS Program Coordinator to identify their goals, develop a personalized plan, connect with services and resources, and track their progress.
HUD's FSS program is available to eligible families participating in programs including Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program.
How Does FSS Work?
FSS is built around your goals and your path forward.
Your Housing Rights Under VAWA
Set Your Goals
Work with the FSS Coordinator to identify your personal, employment, education, financial, or homeownership goals.
Create Your Plan
You and the FSS Coordinator develop an Individual Training and Services Plan (ITSP) outlining the goals you want to achieve and the steps and resources needed to reach them.
Connect With Resources
Your FSS Coordinator helps connect you with community partners and services that can support your progress.
Resources may include:
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Education and adult basic education
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Job training and employment services
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Childcare
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Transportation
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Financial education and coaching
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Credit and debt counseling
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Asset-building resources
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Homeownership counseling
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Household skills training
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Other community-based services
Services are generally provided through community partners rather than directly by the Housing Authority.
Build Your Future
As you work toward your goals and increase your earned income, you may build savings through an FSS escrow account.
Reach Your Goals
The FSS program generally provides up to five years to complete your Contract of Participation, with the possibility of an extension of up to two additional years for good cause.
FSS Forms & Resources
These HUD forms are available to help applicants and residents understand and apply for the FSS. Visit HUD’s FSS page to learn more and access the current HUD Forms Directory
An agreement between DHA and an FSS participant. It outlines your goals, responsibilities, services, and timeline for completing the FSS program.
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Learn more about the policies and framework governing the local FSS program. Required for Submission of Plans.
Administering an Effective Family Self-Sufficiency Program: A Guidebook Based on Evidence and Promising Practices
Who Can Participate in the FSS Program?
FSS eligibility depends on the Housing Authority's FSS program, the housing program you participate in, and applicable HUD requirements.
If you are a resident of Public Housing or a participant in the Housing Choice Voucher program, contact the DEdham Housing Authority to find out whether you are eligible and whether enrollment is currently available.
Learn how the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program helps families build financial stability, increase savings, and work toward their goals.
This video, produced by Compass Working Capital, provides a brief overview of how FSS works.