(:Printer Friendly Version:)

Have a Section 8 voucher or Public Housing through the Altoona Housing Authority?
Have a strong desire to improve the quality of life for you and your family??
Want to be free from a lifetime of government dependency for you and your family???
Does it sound too good to be true????
Security, independence, are you talking to me????

The benefits will last a lifetime. Trying to survive on a low to moderate income is more difficult every day. Only people with education, training and experience are able to compete for secure, higher paying jobs. Having a low income is not a crime, but, if you are truly tired of living from check to check and never having enough money to enjoy life, then the Family Self-Sufficiency program can help you break the cycle.

Don’t wait. The secret to getting ahead is getting started.
You can activate the escrow account if your rent goes up as a result of an increase in your earned income, the FSS program will match that increase with a deposit into your escrow account. it’s free money!

EXAMPLE:
If you’re participating in the FSS program and your current rental payment is $100.00 per month and it goes to $150.00 per month because you find a higher paying job, the increase ($50.00) is deposited into your personal escrow account. Every month you are in the FSS program and working towards your goals. Your escrow account even earns interest! it is that simple.

The Family Self-Sufficiency program offers you and your family a variety of services at no cost and you can even earn money while you take advantage of these services.

Own your own home?
Take a college course??
Buy a car???
Start a business????

As a participant in the FSS program, you can receive monthly payments that are put in a special escrow account. This money is yours to spend on whatever you want once you have completed the program.

First, it’s voluntary, you have to choose the FSS program. Once enrolled, you and the Family Self-Sufficiency program staff identify your family’s needs. Could be substance abuse treatment, parenting skills, money management, home ownership or other life skills. Sooner or later those needs will land on money. How to earn more and keep more of what you earn. That probably means more education or better skills training. It might mean, child care, medical/dental services, better transportation or other services. After all of these needs are identified, an individualized goals and services plan will be developed and you agree to a contract of participation. The contract serves as guide and motivation during your participation in the FSS program. When your income increases because of new employment, a promotion or some other reason the increase in your rent will be placed into your own personal escrow account.

The FSS program is a joint effort between Blair County Community Action Agency and the Altoona Housing Authority. The FSS program was created to connect residents receiving Section 8 rent and Public Housing subsidies with many support services. The primary objective of the FSS program is developing economic self-sufficiency for the participants through personal encouragement, counseling and guidance during their participation in this program. Truly self-sufficient. More than words, it’s a real possibility. During their long term commitment to the FSS program, participants focus on this single goal. Becoming independent of all governmental assistance. The FSS program is goal-oriented and accomplishment driven. it requires intensive needs assessment, case management and follow-up services. Participation in the FSS program represents a voluntary commitment on the part of the FSS Participant. Give it a try. My guess is, you’ll surprise yourself.