FSS Brochure

The Housing Authority of South Bend
501 Alonzo Watson Dr.
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: 574.235.9346
Fax: 574.544.5156

A family of four smiling in a house.

The mission of the Housing Authority of South Bend is to provide safe, desirable, and affordable housing with superior services to eligible members of the South Bend Community while maintaining an atmosphere which encourages self-sufficiency.

Housing Authority of South Bend Family Self-Sufficiency Program.

Are you ready and willing to make the life changes necessary to become self-sufficient?
Take Advantage of this opportunity to go to the next level in your life and Achieve Financial Independence.

Program Description

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) is a five-year program designed to help families on the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) and Public Housing become free of government assistance and achieve financial independency.

Clients' needs and personal goals (both long-term and short-term) are identified, and an individual Training Service Plan (ITSP) is established.

A group of 5 people huddle around looking at a computer.

The client works closely with the Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator to achieve the goals identified in the plan. The FSS Coordinator will make referrals to other service providers as necessary.

Frequent goals include, but are not limited to, obtaining higher education, earning a living wage, becoming a business owner, improving one's credit, build a savings account, and achieving the dream of homeownership. Supportive services include employment, job search/training, placement assistance, transportation, and childcare.

What is an Escrow Savings Account?
It is expected that along the path to self-sufficiency, the client will obtain sustainable employment. As the client's income increases, their rent also increases. The Housing Authority of South Bend and HUD will establish an escrow (savings) account for each FSS Client.

Escrow Example:

Client's Current Rent: $100.00
Client Obtains a job/and or earns a raise.
Client's New Rent: $250.00
Amount Credited to client's escrow account monthly: $150.00
Based on total tenant repayment

The escrow savings account is distributed to the participant when they graduate from the FSS Program. To graduate from the FSS Program and receive the escrow funds, families must be welfare-free, the head of the FSS family must be employed, have completed their Contract of Participation, Individual Training and Services Plans (ITSP), and have met their goals. The escrow funds will be disbursed to the client to use as they wish.

Marcia Wieder in a graduation cap and gown smiling while holding her diploma.

Pictured: Marcia Wieder
Commitment leads to action. Action brings your dream closer.

A family of 4 stands and smiles in front of a house.

If you are interested in the FSS Program at the Housing Authority of South Bend, please contact the FSS Coordinator:

Katherine Bailey
574.235.9346 ext. 231
or by email kbailey@housingauthoritysouthbend.org