The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a voluntary program designed to help RIHousing Housing Choice Voucher or Project Based Voucher program participants make progress towards economic security.
Email fss@rihousing.com to join the program.
Must have a housing voucher through RIHousing
Be interested in working, part-time or full-time
18 years of age or older
To see if you’re eligible, complete this interest form.
As an RIHousing voucher holder, work with coordinators to set financial and employment goals. You can earn cash bonuses through an FSS escrow account. Save your raise: as your income increases, RIHousing matches your rent increase into savings, received upon program completion. Graduation means being employed and meeting your goals.
Watch this quick video to learn more about how it all works.
No. You may keep your rental assistance if you still need it when you successfully complete the program. If you don’t graduate from the program, you will not lose your voucher.
When you enroll in the program, RIHousing sets up and then manages an escrow savings account for you. An increase in your rent as a result of an increase in income from work will result in a credit to your savings account. Your savings account will also gain a small amount of interest during your time in the program.
Yes. Any increase in your rent due to an increase in household income from work will grow your FSS escrow savings account. To receive these funds at graduation, the FSS participant must also be employed.
The only way to add to your FSS escrow savings account is through an increase in income from work. When your rent increases, you will still pay your new, higher rent to your landlord, but that increase in rent will also be credited to your savings account by RIHousing.
No, you do not have access to the account while in the program. RIHousing manages the account on your behalf. You can request an interim withdrawal during the program only if you plan to use the money to make progress on one of the goals you’ve outlined in your contract. Your eligibility to borrow funds is determined and approved by your FSS coordinator.
No, you cannot use the FSS escrow savings account for emergencies or to pay for your rent.
There are three requirements you must meet in order to graduate from the program. First, you’ll need to be suitably employed at the time of graduation. Second, all household members will need to be free of cash welfare assistance for at least 12 months prior to graduation. Finally, you must have completed the goals you set during the program.
Meet Jessica Nin, a recent FSS graduate who used the tools she received from the program to tackle her life goals.
Meet Stephanie, a graduate of our 2024 FSS Program, and view our first-ever FSS graduation ceremony.
General Information: fss@rihousing.com
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