Get Money Smart

Through MHA’s Family Self Sufficiency Program the following services are offered:

FSS is designed to assist motivated families or individuals who receive Section 8 housing subsidies or live in Marin Housing’s Public Housing, to become independent of welfare. A self-directed program, participants formulate a series of goals that will enable them to become financially self-sufficient within a period of five years. The FSS Case Managers meet with each participant to develop Action Steps that guide them to achieving their goals. Program staff works with local community agencies, schools, and government programs to ensure that participants obtain the resources they need to accomplish their goals. An interest-bearing escrow account may be established for FSS families whose earned income increases during their participation in the program. FSS is a voluntary program and does not require the termination of Section 8 or Public Housing assistance. The FSS Program also offers Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) through a partnership with Marin’s Prosperity Partners and EARN of SF.

Through case management and advocacy we will support you in setting a five-year plan to meet your employment or education goals. Benefits for participating families:

• Budgeting and Credit Repair
• Parenting skills
• Job Search Methods and Job Training
• Education
• Communication skills
• Home Ownership Education

Rewarding your progress: As your wages increase, your rent increases. However, with FSS, you get some of this money back when you finish your contract of participation. A portion of the rent increase is put in an interest bearing escrow account and upon completion of the program, you are able to use these savings to further your career or education goals or sometimes move to homeownership. This program also dovetails well with the HCV Section 8 Homeownership Program offered through Marin Housing.