2021 Family Self-Sufficiency - Renewal NOFO

In response to applicant questions and feedback, on August 5, 2021, the FSS program office made the following Technical Corrections to the NOFO: • Minor formatting and language edits for clarity and consistency • Clarified the grace year for COVID-19 • Clarified Program Definitions for: o Baseline Awards o Funding Categories o Maximum Awards o Maximum Positions The FSS program office also made the following Technical Corrections to Appendix C: • Updated header for "Greatest FSS Award in the Renewal Period" - The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program supports the Department's strategic goal of increasing economic opportunity for HUD-assisted families. FSS provides grants to Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to support the salaries and training needs of FSS Program Coordinators who assist participating families receiving housing assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV/PBV) and Public Housing (PH) programs. FSS Program Coordinators develop local strategies to connect participating families to public and private resources to increase their earned income and financial empowerment, reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance, and make progress toward economic independence and self-sufficiency. PHAs and each individual participating family execute a five-year Contract of Participation that incorporates the responsibilities of each party, as well as a training and services plan to help the family become more self-sufficient. PHAs are not permitted to limit FSS participation to those families most likely to succeed. On May 24, 2018, The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act became Public Law No: 115-174. Section 306 of the Act amended the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise the FSS program. The Act specifically changes program requirements related to program eligibility, escrow deposits, and supportive services; allows the Secretary to establish a funding formula; and extends eligibility for grant awards to private owners of project-based rental assistance (PBRA) properties. The changes to the FSS program are not in effect until HUD issues implementing regulations.

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program supports the Department's strategic goal of increasing economic opportunity for HUD-assisted families. FSS provides grants to Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to support the salaries and training needs of FSS Program Coordinators who assist participating families receiving housing assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV/PBV) and Public Housing (PH) programs. FSS Program Coordinators develop local strategies to connect participating families to public and private resources to increase their earned income and financial empowerment, reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance, and make progress toward economic independence and self-sufficiency. PHAs and each individual participating family execute a five-year Contract of Participation that incorporates the responsibilities of each party, as well as a training and services plan to help the family become more self-sufficient. PHAs are not permitted to limit FSS participation to those families most likely to succeed. On May 24, 2018, The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act became Public Law No: 115-174. Section 306 of the Act amended the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise the FSS program. The Act specifically changes program requirements related to program eligibility, escrow deposits, and supportive services; allows the Secretary to establish a funding formula; and extends eligibility for grant awards to private owners of project-based rental assistance (PBRA) properties. The changes to the FSS program are not in effect until HUD issues implementing regulations.