Lake County Housing Authority Receives $220,705 from HUD for the Family Self-Sufficiency Program

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $75 million to help public housing and Housing Choice Voucher residents across the country connect with local services to improve their education and employment and to put them on a path to self-sufficiency. Lake County Housing Authority was awarded $220,705 from HUD for the Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS.)

Funded through HUD's Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS), these grants allow public housing agencies (PHAs) to work with social service agencies, community colleges, businesses and other local partners to help public housing residents and individuals participating in HUD's Housing Choice Voucher Program to increase their education and gain marketable skills that will enable them to obtain employment and advance in their current work. In 2014, Congress combined funding for the Public Housing FSS (PH FSS) and Housing Choice Voucher FSS (HCV FSS) programs into one program serving both populations.

"We are very thankful that the board approved the investment of $1,750 that in turn provided $220,705 in grant funds to benefit the lives of clients and promote family self-sufficiency in Lake County," shared David A. Northern, CEO/ Executive Director of the Lake County Housing Authority.

The Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a long-standing resource for increasing economic security and self-sufficiency among participants. The Lake County Housing Authority (hereinafter LCHA) first enacted the FSS Program in 1990 focusing on an employment and savings incentive program for low-income families. Currently, the LCHA provides case management services to help 456 participants pursue and maintain employment and financial independence. An incentive component of the program includes an escrow savings account into which Lake County Housing Authority deposits a portion of the increased rental charges that a family pays as its income from earnings rise. Families that successfully complete the FSS program by reaching their goals, may graduate from the program and withdraw the funds from the FSS escrow account after the successful completion of their five-year contract.

With the allotted funding from HUD of $220,705, LCHA hopes to expand upon its counseling and further serve the needs of the local community. This funding from HUD allows LCHA to maintain FSS program managers who work directly with participants to connect them with local education and training opportunities, job placement organizations and local employers.

Lake County Housing Authority is committed to providing affordable, safe, and sanitary housing for the residents of Lake County. For more information about LCHA, go to: www.lakecountyha.org.