THE DESTINATION

Self-Sufficiency—The ability to support ones self and family independently of public assistance provided by federal and county agencies.

DIRECTIONS

With help from the participating family, the FSS coordinator determines where a family stands now, where they want to be and how to get there. The coordinator, serving as a tour guide, helps set realistic, achievable goals and provides motivation and support. Referrals are made to agencies and available programs that are needed by the family. Some examples of these services are continuing education, financial assistance, childcare, transportation and career search. The FSS coordinator will also assist to identify potential barriers and ways for the family to avoid them. ..Leaving poverty in the dust!

QUALIFYING

To qualify, a family must receive HUD Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) rental assistance. Motivation and the ability to enroll in school, vocational training or actively seek employment are required.

TO GET STARTED

How can someone depart on his or her journey? Interested families must fuel up before they get on the road by calling the FSS Coordinator at 920-739-6811 ext. 113 or visiting www.appletonhousing.org for an application. Once the FSS coordinator receives a completed application, the family will be invited to attend an orientation. Orientation is a chance for families to visit with a FSS Coordinator, see if they qualify, and begin to think about a plan suited to fit their needs. FSS can provide the kind of support necessary for families to reach their goals and become self-sufficient. After an orientation, the FSS Coordinator will meet with an eligible family one on one to develop goals and a customized Contract of Participation.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE

Case management/Life Skills, Mentoring, Career counseling, Child care assistance, Health services, Continuing education, Financial incentives, Transportation, Job training, Support Groups, Workshops

FINANCIAL INCENTIVES

By participating in the FSS program, a family becomes eligible for an escrow account. This is a savings account set up in the family’s name by the Appleton Housing Authority. Monthly deposits are made when a family reports an increase in earned income. The portion of rental assistance that a participant pays is called total tenant payment (TTP). This dollar amount is recorded on the FSS contract. As a family’s income increases, so does their TTP. In most cases, the escrow deposit will be the difference between the original TTP and the current TTP.

Example

TTP after income increase: $100.00
Original TTP: -50.00
Monthly escrow deposit: 50.00
ARRIVAL: CASHING OUT
Participants may be able to use some of their escrow savings to financially assist them in meeting goals for education class fees or transportation. Once a family completes the FSS Program, they get all of the money in their escrow account plus interest! Family’s graduate on average with a savings of $4,500.