Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a voluntary, supportive, goal planning program available to eligible Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher tenants through the East Providence Housing Authority (EPHA), who are sincere and motivated in their intentions to achieve financial independence. Since its inception at the EPHA in 2007, over 60 families have successfully completed the EPHA FSS Program.

The FSS Program will link you to resources necessary for success and develop a plan with specific activities and actions needed to achieve your goals. Case management, coaching, encouragement, motivation and moral support are provided to help families achieve their goals.

Working with local agencies and service providers, the FSS Program seeks to address a wide variety of family issues including job training, education (GED, college, vocational trade school), financial fitness, budgeting and planning, legal services, individual and family counseling, parenting skills, home buyer education and more.

The FSS Program offers Participants the opportunity to accumulate substantial savings that results from increases in earned income. When earned income increases and tenant share of rent increases, a calculation is completed to determine the dollar amount to be deposited into an Escrow Account on the Participant’s behalf. These funds become available upon successful achievement of their goals and their Contract of Participation (CoP). The final goal for the 5-year program requires the Participant to seek and maintain suitable employment, and that all members residing in the household are free of cash welfare assistance for a minimum of 12 months prior to the contract completion.

IT IS NOT A REQUIREMENT OF THE PROGRAM TO BECOME FREE OF HOUSING ASSISTANCE!

You can successfully complete the FSS Program and still remain a Public Housing resident or Housing Choice Voucher recipient as long as you continue to be eligible for housing assistance

Up to 50 participants will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applications will be date and time stamped as they are received. Any participant who applies after the program is filled will be put on a waiting list based on the date their application was received. When a slot opens they will be notified by the coordinator.

FSS Coordinator
Jennifer Brightman
East Providence Housing Authority
99 Goldsmith Avenue
East Providence, RI 02914-2240
401-434-7645 Extension 6429