Family Self Sufficiency

Boston Housing Authority provides participants in the federally-funded Housing Choice Voucher Program (commonly known as Section 8) the opportunity to save part of their rent increase when they earn more money at work through the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program.

What is FSS?

The FSS program is designed to support you in accomplishing your goals and building a stable financial future. It is a voluntary program that BHA runs in partnership with Compass Working Capital, a nonprofit financial services organization that supports families with low incomes to save for their future and achieve their goals. Learn more at Compass Working Capital.
 

How does it work?

FSS is a voluntary five-year program. In the program, you will:

  • Set your own long-term goals. In the FSS Program, you establish long-term goals and work with a Financial Coach to achieve them. Some goals include: going back to school, saving for retirement, buying a home, starting a business, paying down debt, and more.

  • Work one-on-one with a Financial Coach. You’ll meet regularly with your Compass Financial Coach, who will help you build a customized plan that supports you in your income, credit, debt, savings, and long-term goals.

  • Build savings with the FSS Savings Account. In the FSS Program, you are rewarded when you earn more money at work. When you, or a household member, increase your earned income (by a raise, new job or extra hours), you get to save part of your monthly rent increase in your FSS Savings Account. You can use these savings towards your goals in the program.

Where can I find more information?

For more information on this program, please see these frequently asked questions.

You can also view the FSS Frequently Asked Questions in Spanish and Chinese.

How do I join?

You can apply for the program here. If you would prefer a paper application, or one in an alternative language, you can get one here:

Please mail all completed paper applications to:

     Compass Working Capital
     Attn: BHA FSS
     89 South Street, Suite 804
     Boston, MA 02111

Where Can I Find More Information About Leased Housing's Homeownership Program?

For more information please see the BHA Section 8 to Homeownership Program Fact Sheet.

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