Family Self-Sufficiency - Renewal NOFO
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program supports the Department’s strategic goal of increasing economic opportunity for HUD-assisted families. FSS provides grants to Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to support the salaries and training needs of FSS Program Coordinators who assist participating families receiving housing assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV/PBV) and Public Housing (PH) programs. FSS Program Coordinators develop local strategies to connect participating families to public and private resources to increase their earned income and financial empowerment, reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance, and make progress toward economic independence and self-sufficiency. In the context of the Self Sufficiency account, “self-sufficiency” is defined as a household’s ability to maintain financial, housing, and personal/family stability. To achieve self-sufficiency, individuals in a household move along a continuum towards economic independence and stability; such movement is facilitated by the achievement of educational, professional, and health/mental health and financial empowerment-related goals. For the FSS program, self-sufficiency is further defined as a work-able -family’s ability to maintain itself free from income-based public safety net programs such as TANF, SNAP, Medicaid and housing assistance.
PHAs execute a five-year Contract of Participation with each individual participating family that incorporates the responsibilities of each party, as well as a training and services plan to help the family become more self-sufficient. PHAs are not permitted to limit FSS participation to those families most likely to succeed.
On May 24 2018, The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act became Public Law No: 115-174. Section 306 of the Act amended the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise the FSS program. The Act specifically changes program requirements related to program eligibility, escrow deposits, and supportive services; allows the Secretary to establish a funding formula; and extends eligibility by allowing private owners of project-based rental assistance (PBRA) properties to voluntarily make an FSS program available to their tenants.
The changes to the FSS program are not in effect until HUD issues implementing regulations. As of the date of the publication of this NOFO, the final rule has not been issued, so this NOFO does not reflect any changes from P.L. 115-174.
Preference Points This program does not offer preference points.
Funding of up to $80,000,000 is available through this NOFO. HUD expects to make approximately 700 awards from the funds available under this NOFO.
Funding Opportunity Number: FR-6400-N-04
Opportunity Title: Family Self-Sufficiency Renewal Program Supplemental
Competition ID: FR-6400-N-04
CFDA No: 14.892
OMB Approval Number: 2577-0178
Opening Date: December 21, 2020
Application Due Date: January 22, 2020
Link to the webcast for the FY20 FSS NOFO
Agency Contact: Questions regarding specific program requirements for this NOFO should be directed to FSS@hud.gov . Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access this number via TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Please note that HUD staff cannot assist applicants in preparing their applications
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