Metro Housing|Boston, in partnership with One Family Inc., provides participants in the federally-funded Housing Choice Voucher Program (commonly known as Section 8) the opportunity to participate in the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program. FSS is a voluntary program designed to help families achieve increased economic self-sufficiency over a five-year period.

FSS participants are matched with an FSS Advisor to provide one-on-one coaching and assistance with reaching their goals. This can include financial literacy, credit help, education, job skills, and career guidance.

Metro Housing|Boston’s FSS program has experienced significant growth over the past five years due in large part to a grant from The Boston Foundation.

FSS participants:
• Work toward self-identified goals focused on education, workforce development, and asset building;
• Receive one-on-one counseling; and
• Have the opportunity to build an escrow account if their earned income increases.

Participants graduate from FSS in five years if they have met their goals of obtaining employment and have not received public assistance benefits during the past 12 months.

As a participant’s earnings increase, an escrow amount is calculated based approximately on the difference between the starting and increased income. This amount is deposited into an escrow account on behalf of the participant. When the participant successfully completes the program, he or she receives the escrowed money. These funds are often used for future homeownership or higher education. Graduates of the program are not required to leave the Section 8 Program.

Metro Housing|Boston’s FSS program is run in partnership with One Family, Inc.