(405) 329-0933
FSS
What is 'Family Self-Sufficiency' (FSS)?
Now that you are being assisted by the Norman Housing Authority with your rent, you may begin thinking Okay, what's next or about where do you want to be one year or five years from now.
An old saying goes, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." We believe most people want to earn enough money to support their family without government assistance, and that they simply lack the opportunity to do so. This unique program is being offered to you as a way to give you that opportunity.
We will work with you as you decide your goals for a career. These goals may include attending a two-year or a four-year college, or finishing college, or attending a vocational school or just brushing up on your current skills. It does not matter if you have not graduated high school or if you have a Masters degree. If you are on the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program, you are eligible to join the FSS Program.
Remember, you are the person deciding your future. You are the person who will establish your goals. We will only help you make those decisions and assist you in obtaining the social services necessary to reach your goals. It is not our position to decide what career you need or want. Just remember, it must be a career with the potential to support your family without welfare assistance. Also, it must be a career that you enjoy—if you dislike your job, you will not be successful.
Once you have joined the FSS Program, and your earned income (a higher paying job) goes up, a savings account will be started for you. The amount placed into the savings account is determined by how much your earned income increases. The money placed into the account is paid by the Norman Housing Authority and not a single dime is paid by you. If you complete the goals developed by you and your caseworker, the savings account is yours. We have had some clients use their money to purchases a home, pay off student loans, or buy a more reliable car. The choice is yours.
If you would like to learn more or apply for FSS, you may contact Liz McDonald, Special Programs Coordinator at (405) 329-0933 Ext 319.
