Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS)   General Information: In 1992 the U.S. Department of Urban Development (HUD) introduced a revolutionary program to promote economic independence for Section 8 voucher families called Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS). The general goal is to improve family income through education, vocational training and career advancement. The Ithaca Housing Authority was one of the first in the country to implement this program, one of the few to engage a full-time case manager to administer the 30 family quota assigned by HUD. This is a voluntary program which includes commitment to a 5-year contract, a service plan devised by the participant with the case manager, as well as support, information and referral to appropriate sources of assistance along the way. How It Works:  Specifically, as earned income increases through meeting set goals of the service plan, the Section 8 monthly rental amount due from the participant also increases.  This increase is not lost to the families, however, since each month a proportionate amount of that increase is deposited, through HUD funding, into an escrow, or savings account, for that family. If, at the end of 5 years the family has meet its goals and other terms of the HUD contract, the amount in the escrow account, plus interest, is awarded by IHA to help meet the overall goal of the family.  For example, if the family's goal is homeownership, the escrow account total is sent to the mortgage provider;  if higher education, to the school of the participant's choice. What's Happening Now: The FSS program is now bursting at the seams with 70 plus families participating.  Almost 40 families have achieved homeownership, many more have improved their lives through education and job training funded by their escrow accounts. Over 200 families have found additional help with financial management through the Three Pillar Foundation (see below) which is a direct descendent of FSS, and the gateway to even more financial assistance.    For more information on FSS, please call Marion Deats, FSS Case Manager, at (607) 273-1244, ext. 247, or email at:  marion@ithacaha.com

Three Pillar Foundation (3PF)   Ithaca Housing Authority is currently conducting its next session of it's financial literacy program for Public Housing and Section 8 residents.  The Three Pillar Foundation (3PF) was designed and implemented by a group of residents in 1995, and offers an 8 week session of financial education and peer support, followed by the opportunity to apply for a low interest, debt consolidating loan, and an Individual Development Account (IDA.) IDAs are matched savings accounts designed to support education, vocational training, or homeownership for 3PF graduates.  The current match offered through several different banks is 3 to 1, meaning a $20.00 per month savings deposit by the resident translates into a $60.00 per month match.  At the end of the savings period, 1 to 2 years, the entire amount is forwarded directly to the educational institution or mortgage lender. IHA's own IDA program for Public Housing Residents is currently a 2 to 1 match, although fundraising is under way to increase the match to 3 to 1.  To date, 36 families have become homeowners, with many more furthering their education or that of their children. IHA is in need of contributions for IDA funds due to continued demand for these services, and we must develop these additional match monies through our own fundraising efforts.  For more information on how to contribute, please call Marcy Hudson, Community Services Coordinator, at (607) 227-9184 or contact via email at MJH326@aol.com. While most class slots are filled with IHA residents, we are currently compiling a waiting list for the next session and may have openings for a few additional outside participants. IHA also offers 3PF for Kids during adult sessions, 3PF for Kids Plus,  an entrepreneurial after school program for pre -teens, and an after school tutoring program for all Public Housing children. There is no fee for participating in 3PF or the FSS program.