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.