Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Learn about the ROSS Program here
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program provides opportunities to residents of the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Programs to become financially independent.
Each person has an unique life story to tell with a common denominator of financial independence. Established in 1993, the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program links members to supportive services to help them provide for their family without public assistance.
Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinators work with the members to identify a five-year plan documenting their personal and professional goals. As the resident's rent increases, due to earning higher wages, a portion of the rent is matched by the FSS Program and credited monthly to an escrow account, which they will receive upon graduation.
The agency honors the FSS graduates' achievements each year. The goals and accomplishments of each FSS member are announced and recognition is given to their future aspirations such as homeownership, education, or career.
Current services available to FSS Program Participants:
• GED Classes
• Computer Training
• Financial Training
• Job Training
• Work Placement Services
• Child Care Assistance
• Transportation Assistance
Current Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program residents may sign up for the FSS waitlist by completing an FSS Interest Form available from the front desk receptionist at our central office. Please feel free to contact an HCV FSS Coordinator for questions about the program.
Housing Choice Voucher FSS Coordinators:
Becky Summersett 477-4488 ext. 1347
Louise Sawaki 477-4488 ext. 1343
Lillian Almanza 477-4488 ext. 1332
Current Public Housing Residents can contact the Public Housing FSS Coordinators:
Tiffany Middleton 477-4488 ext. 3408
Jean Liburd 477-4488 ext. 3405
Resident Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency Program
The Resident Opportunities for Self Sufficiency (ROSS) Program is designed to help adults and youth living in public housing set and achieve goals related to economic self-sufficiency. HACA’s ROSS program is broken down into sets of goals related to education, employment, financial management, parent leadership, homeownership, and Youth Educational Success leadership. The program is self-directed and self-paced.
After a resident becomes a ROSS member, they work with their ROSS Specialist to personalize the ROSS goals, and find local organizations that can help make these goals a reality. As the ROSS member completes classes and accomplishes goals, they become eligible for incentives from partners and from HACA. In addition, qualifying ROSS Members that are working or going to school can receive access to support services like childcare, bus passes, and funds to pay for GED testing to help ensure their success.
Ideal candidates for the ROSS program are public housing residents that
are interested in becoming more economically self-sufficient, but are not
ready to make the 5-year commitment of the Family Self-Sufficiency program.
The ROSS program is an excellent way to get ready for the FSS program.
