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ITEM 2
Public Housing Authority Commission Memorandum Neighborhood Resources Memo No. HD24-09
Date:
June 24, 2024
To:
Public Housing Authority Commission
Thru:
Joshua H. Wright, City Manager
Tadd Wille, Assistant City Manager
Leah Powell, Neighborhood Resources Director
From:
Amy Jacobson, Housing and Redevelopment Senior Manager
Subject:
Resolution No. HO179 Approving the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Family Self Sufficiency Action Plan
Proposed Motion:
Move Public Housing Authority Commission pass and adopt Resolution No. HO179 Approving the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Action Plan Effective July 1, 2024, and Certifying Compliance with the Related United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Regulations, and Further Directing All Other Action Necessary to Carry Out the Purposes of this Resolution.
Background:
HUD requires local governments and public housing agencies comply with specific regulations and guidelines to receive federal funding and support. By approving the FSS Action Plan, the Public Housing Authority Commission ensures the city's housing programs align with HUD's rules and regulations, thereby maintaining eligibility for federal assistance. The Housing Division has participated in the FSS program since 2000.
The FSS Program is a voluntary initiative designed to assist low-income families participating in Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs (Section 8 Program) in achieving economic independence and self-sufficiency through goal-setting and specialized case management. The goals may include education and job training, money management, career advancement, improved life skills, and preparation for homeownership. Participants are considered self-sufficient and able to graduate when they accomplish their goals and/or their income exceeds rental subsidy program limits, including being off welfare cash assistance for a minimum of 12 months. The FSS Program lasts up to five years, with the possibility of two one-year extensions. Currently, there are 120 participants enrolled in the FSS Program, with 60 from Public Housing and 60 from Section 8.
The FSS grant funds two positions: an FSS Housing Specialist for the Housing Choice Voucher programs and a Specialist for the public housing program, totaling $198,123. The program aims to help participants achieve economic independence. Through case management services, goal setting, and financial management assistance, FSS graduates make significant strides toward self-sufficiency. This year, nine graduates were recognized at the City's FSS Graduation Event in February 2024. The average household income for the 2024 FSS graduates rose from $22,302 at the start of the program to $115,036 annually by the end, a 169% increase. Many graduates gained full employment, attended college, received bachelor's degrees, and one participant even purchased a home.
Discussion:
The FSS Program is available to qualified individuals and families in the Public Housing and Section 8 programs, with each program having its own assigned staff person to provide case management. A participant may choose not to continue with the FSS Program and still maintain housing assistance. Generally, participants with zero or extremely low income, attending college or a training program, or whose financial circumstances are anticipated to improve due to earned income are ideal candidates for this program since there is potential for their earned income to increase. As a participant's earned income increases and their rental portion increases, the housing assistance payments saved are put into an interest-bearing escrow account. Once a participant has met their goals, the escrow balance is released to them, better preparing the participant to be more self-sufficient.
Financial Implications:
HUD provides funding for the two (2) FSS Specialist positions.
Attachments
Resolution HO179
FSS Plan
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