Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) | Provo City Housing Authority

The Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program helps Section 8 rental assistance recipients become self-reliant. The program can help provide financial counseling, career counseling, resume writing assistance and interviewing skills. Successful life management and home ownership classes are also available in connection with the program.

Housing Authority FSS Coordinator meets often with FSS participants to help identify and overcome self-sufficiency barriers. Barriers may include literacy challenges, the need for job skills, domestic violence, or emotional crisis.

Program Goals and Incentives: An important program goal is for the participant to become completely self-sufficient. Participants set and write goals with deadlines. To graduate from the program, participants need to seek and maintain employment, comply with all rental lease terms within five years.

When FSS participants meet all contractual responsibilities, they are awarded their escrow balance. Participants can use their escrow balance however they wish. Many participants have used the escrow balance as the down payment on a home.

If you are interested in this program please discuss with your Housing Specialist, who can refer you.

FSS Graduates

Kayden Stevens

June 2023

-The FSS program encouraged me to increase my earnings.
-The FSS Escrow incentive will help me get a house after becoming financially independent.
-My experience on the Section 8 and FSS program was a good experience; I went from poverty and doing jobs that are not fun, to having one of the most fun careers that I can imagine.
-Kayden graduated with an associate’s degree from UVU and became a Surveyor.

Jackie Wilkinson

June 2023

-Jackie went through a divorce and came on some financial hardships. She applied for Section 8 and then qualified for the FSS Program.
-While participating in the FSS program, Jackie achieved her goal and increased Credit Score.
-The FSS Program “made me want to be a better provider for my family” says Jackie.
-“I love how I got to set goals then I got to achieve them”.
-Jackie plans to pay off debt with the FSS escrow funds she received.

Annaliese Wilson

June 2023

-Anneliese and her husband, Lazlo, moved from Hawaii to live with father after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Anneliese was his full time caregiver. He passed one year later.
-Funds were limited.
-Anneliese and Lazlo qualified for Section 8 and Financial Aid. They then signed up for FSS.
-Both started working part time and attended school.
-During Covid, Lazlo was laid off – Section 8 assisted during these hard times.
-Annaliese Decides to open her own business as a massage therapist while Lazlo continued his education.
-Lazlo is on track to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree with two minors. One in business management and the other in finance.
-Annaliese and Lazlo are now able to hire their own employees and have become self-sufficient. Has been growing her business and has hired her own employees. Lazlo is the accountant for the business.

“These programs help bridge the gaps and get people through”