Family Self-Sufficiency Program

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a Section 8 Housing Program designed to assist Sonoma County Housing Authority Clients in becoming independent of public assistance. With the support of local agencies, FSS combines case management, education, and training with rental assistance to aid families in becoming self-sufficient.

FSS is a five year program in which very low income families receive rental assistance, along with vital supportive services, designed to assist the family in overcoming barriers to employment, while receiving the training and skills necessary to become gainfully employed.

It is anticipated that through full-time employment, FSS families can become productive and independent of all government aid.

Joining the Program

To join the Family Self Sufficiency program, you must be:

• Current Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) participant
• Head of Household
• Plan to attend school or increase employability
• Plan to work full time within 5 years

If you are interested in joining the Family Self-Sufficiency program, fill out the referral form or contact your Occupancy Specialist for more information. 

Family Self-Sufficiency Form - English (PDF: 139 kB)
Family Self-Sufficiency Form - Spanish (PDF: 293 kB)

From Program Graduates

"With the financial and emotional support of the FSS Program and the ongoing support of my children I graduated with my BSN. This is a great success for all of us. I am now working in the health care field making a sustainable income, and can now afford to send my children to college which was not an option before. I would have never made it this far without the support of the HUD and FSS programs. I now have a bright future and so does my children.” Mary, FSS Graduate