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Family
Self-Sufficiency
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email =
fssinfo@haca.net |
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Family
Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a voluntary program
designed to assist Section 8 and public housing residents to achieve
economic independence and self-sufficiency through education, job
training, supportive services and employment. With the support of local
programs and agencies, FSS combines case management and life skills
training with the FSS participant’s individual plan for education,
training and employment.
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FSS
Vision Statement
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The Family
Self-Sufficiency Program will offer guidance in a trusting environment
for families to dare to challenge themselves and be stimulated through
education and learning to achieve independence and joy.
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Family
Self- Sufficiency Guiding Principles
We Believe:
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ALL
people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect
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Families
have a right to a safe and secure environment.
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Education
and learning are the key to independence and success.
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In
taking the initiative to find answers with the people we
serve.
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In
celebrating our diversity and differences.
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In
the importance of holistic health to achieve physical,
mental, and spiritual well being.
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That
each individual, family and employee should conduct
themselves with integrity and honesty.
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In
promoting a positive atmosphere that fosters creativity,
encouraging individuals to discover their own ways to
overcome barriers.
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Family
Self-Sufficiency Calendar of Events
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The Contract of
Participation
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When you
complete your application and are accepted into the FSS program,
you will be required to sign a contract of participation. This
contract is an agreement between the Housing Authority of Alameda
County and you that lasts for five years. The contract sets forth
the provisions of the program and the obligations of your family.
It is long and written in legal language. It can be simplified as
follows:
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The
contract specifies the head of the family who will be responsible
to sign the contract. Further, it states the purpose and effective
date of the contract, the date when the contract will end, your
annual gross income, your annual earned income and your Total
Tenant Payment on the effective date of the contract.
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Terms of
the contract are stated. The Self-Sufficiency Action Plan for the
head of the family and any other participating members must be
completed within a five-year period.
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The
Contract of Participation lists the services to be provided to the
participants to aid in achieving their goals. While some of the
goals initially identified may be changed during participation in
the program, ultimately the designated family head must seek and
maintain employment during the terms of the contract.
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The
contract states what may happen if the terms of the contract of
Participation are violated. These consequences can include
termination of services under the FSS program.
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Join
the FSS Program
If
you are a current participant in the Housing Authority of Alameda
County’s Section 8 or Public Housing Programs, and are motivated to
set and achieve your self-sufficiency goals, you may be eligible to join
the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program.
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To
join the FSS program, you must first attend a program orientation.
Visit the FSS Calendar for upcoming
orientation dates
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You
must pre-register to attend an orientation. To register, send
an email to fss@haca.net. Be
sure to include your name, mailing address and a daytime phone
number. You may also call to register, (510) 727-8582
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FSS
Newsletters
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Success
Stories |
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| Family
Self-Sufficiency participants are involved in a wide variety of
activities, programs and careers. Each participant has their own unique
set of goals and steps to achieve them. Every few months we will feature
different participants and graduates in our Success Stories. For
additional success stories, check out the FSS newsletter. |
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Terry
recently graduated from FSS and left the Section 8 program. After
years of hard work and preparation, Terry achieved her dream and is
Executive Director of T&T House of Champions, a group home for
troubled boys in Alameda County.
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Rebecca
has always stressed the importance of education to her children, (her
oldest daughter Candus enters Mills College in the Fall) and decided
it was time she led by example. Rebecca has returned to school
full-time to become a Registered Veterinary Technician and is in the
top of her class.
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Dorsi
and Joe have graduated from FSS but continue to set goals and move
ahead. They are self-employed and have expanded their business enough
to hire their first employee. Dorsi and Joe are also in the process of
qualifying to purchase their own home in Fremont.
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Lori
has years of experience in the grocery industry and for months has
been attempting to get hired by a local, upscale grocer. Thanks to her
persistence Lori was offered a job in June.
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10
FSS participants are one step closer to starting their own business.
Each attended a two-hour orientation presented by Women' Initiative
for Self-Employment (WISE) and were offered the opportunity to enroll
in a 14-week program, "Managing Your Small Business". The
cost of the program is only $65 and participants will walk away with a
comprehensive business plan and have the opportunity to apply for a
small micro-enterprise loan.
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Referrals
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Echo
Housing - (510) 581-9380
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Information
and Counseling on Rights and Responsibilities, Evictions, rental
agreements, Harassment and repairs.
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Eden
Information and Referral
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Parental
Stress
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Website
www.psshelps.org
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Provides
services including crisis line, parent education classes, and
individual and group counseling.
Stressed Parent & Caregivers (24-Hours) 800-829-3777
Foster Parent Advice Line (24 Hours)
800-380-3725
Crisis Line (888) 829-3777
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Second
Chance Inc.
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Referrals
for Help with Security Deposits
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Echo
Housing - (510) 581-9380
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Catholic
Charities - (510) 768-3100 ext 4201
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Tri
City Volunteers - (510) 793-4583
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American
Red Cross - (510) 429-3300
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Disaster
Emergency Only - (510) 444-6834
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How
Can I Check My Credit Rating?
FOR
ADDITIONAL REFERRAL INFORMATION IN ALAMEDA COUNTY CONTACT:
Eden
Information and Referral (510) 537-2552
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Equal
Housing Opportunity