Family Self-Sufficiency

two women at a class

The WHHA strongly encourages its participants to consider our Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS), as an opportunity for the realization of economic independence. The FSS Program is designed to ultimately help individuals get on their feet and eventually, free themselves from subsidized housing.

Below is a summary of some of the services provided to FSS families, through a unique partnership with a host of local social service and independent agencies throughout the greater Winter Haven community:

Job Training and Preparation Services
Credit Repair and Homeownership Preparation
Transportation Assistance
Tutoring and Remedial Education Sourcing
Childcare Referrals
Substance Abuse Treatment and Counseling Referrals
Parenting Skills Workshops
Money Management Workshops
Household Management 101 Training
Other customized services and share of resources appropriate to assist eligible families to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency.

HOW IT WORKS

When a resident decides to enroll, they will meet with an FSS Together, a case manager who will evaluate each resident's strengths, needs, and aspirations and assist in outlining short and long-term goals for the program.

The FSS Program is a 5-year program and is available to active participants in both the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs, who meet the selection criteria and show motivation. Residents who participate in our program are given the opportunity to improve their skills and their lives, with the potential of earning Escrow as they realize wage increases. The expectation is that program participants will no longer need housing subsidies after the completion of the program.

If you are interested in changing the vision for your life, call 863.294.7369, ext. 0 or visit our offices at 2653 Avenue C S.W., Winter Haven, FL 33838.

HOW TO APPLY

Step One: Program applicants must complete a short application and have no non-compliance violations. The application will be reviewed by the FSS team for further contact.

Step Two: Applicants will receive notification if they've been accepted or denied for the program. If rejected, an applicant may reapply when they meet qualifications.

Step Three: After enrolling in the program, selected applicants will meet monthly with a case manager to review goals established.

Key Contacts:

Theresa Stewart, FSS Coordinator
Public Housing Program
863.294.7369, ext. 123

Noemi Scharer, FSS Coordinator
Housing Choice Voucher Program
863.294.7369, ext. 124