Family Self-Sufficiency

Family Self-Sufficiency Program

Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) is a HUD program that allows residents of HCV and public housing to build financial assets as the household increases earned-income from wages. Participation generally lasts five (5) years, during which participants identify educational, professional and personal goals including:
• educational advancement (e.g. GED or post-secondary)
• completion of specialized job training
• obtaining employment
• career advancement
• transitioning out of subsidized housing
• homeownership

The FSS program involves goal setting, mentoring and financial incentives to empower families in making positive life changes.

FSS Program Services

As a part of AHA's FSS program, participants work with the HCV department staff to develop a plan that outlines specific activities needed to achieve their economic self-sufficiency goals. Throughout the program, the staff monitors participants' progress and helps them move toward self-sufficiency. AHA's FSS services are in coordination with the Workforce Investment Act, also known as the (WIA) program.

As participants achieve employment goals and increase household income from wages, their rent increases. An amount equitable to the monthly rent increase is set aside each month into an escrow savings account. When participants meet all of their goals and graduate from the program, they are eligible to receive a payout of the escrow accrued during their participation.

Coronavirus COVID-19

image of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)The Housing Authority of the City of Aiken is closely monitoring developments concerning the Cororanvirus (COVID-19) in our state and considers the health, safety and well-being of our families, staff and others in the community to be our highest priority. We join forces with Governor McMaster, health officials, and others in our state in proactively addressing this public health risk to our citizens.

We are implementing the recommended Center for Disease and Control (CDC) precautionary measures to promote social distancing and limiting our staff travel. We are confident that these actions will allow us to continue essential business functions in a manner that safeguards the health interest of everyone concerned. We also have contingencies in place for staff to work remotely in the event of an office closure.

COVID-19 has been declared a public health emergency on both the state and national level. The Housing Authority of the City of Aiken understands the tremendous health risk that COVID-19 poses to our community. Please be assured that we are taking “all necessary and appropriate actions” to help our state address this public health threat. We will contiue to monitor this rapidly changing situation and provide you with additonal updates as needed.