Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)

Your Goals. Your Plan. Your Progress.

Personal support, community connections, and a possible financial incentive, helping ORHA residents turn hard work into greater stability and financial independence.

Complete the FSS interest form

What FSS Is

You are already working hard for yourself and your family. The Family Self-Sufficiency Program can help you turn that hard work into a plan for greater financial stability and new opportunities. FSS provides personal support, community connections, and a possible financial incentive as you work toward your own goals.

How FSS Works

A Voluntary Program, Built Around Your Goals

FSS is a voluntary program for residents of the Oak Ridge Housing Authority. As a participant, you work with your FSS Coordinator to choose personal goals, create an individual plan, and connect with services to help you succeed.

What You Get: Support That Meets You Where You Are

One Person in Your Corner

Meet one-on-one with a coordinator who listens and helps with goal planning. We begin with what is important to you: employment, education, finances, family stability, homeownership, or another goal.

Connections That Make Sense

We work with community organizations, schools, employers, and service providers based on your needs, to equip you with the tools and connections for the career you want.

FSS Escrow Savings Account

As your household's earned income increases, you may build savings in an interest-bearing FSS escrow account. Complete the program, and that money may help fund your next goal.

What could you work toward?

Goals That Strengthen Your Future

A better-paying or more dependable job

A GED, technical certificate, or college degree

Improved credit and stronger money-management skills

Savings for a vehicle, education, home, or business

Greater confidence making decisions and handling challenges

A stronger support network in your community

More choices for you and your family

Real Answers To Real Questions

You may be thinking...

"I'm already working."

Great. FSS can help you work toward a raise, a better position, new training, or a career that gives your family more stability.

"I don't know what my goal is yet."

That is okay. You do not need everything figured out before you begin.

"I'm too busy. I don't need another program telling me what to do."

Neither do we. FSS is designed for real life. Your goals lead the plan, and we help you break large goals into smaller, manageable steps.

We Meet You In The Middle Of Real Life

Does any of this sound familiar?

"I'm doing everything I can, but I'm not getting ahead."

Let's look at what could create more stability, income, or opportunity.

"Every time I make a plan, something happens."

Plans can change. We help you adjust without starting over.

"I have goals, but I don't know where to begin."

We help turn the big idea into a first step.

"I'm tired of being passed from agency to agency."

Your coordinator helps you find the right connection instead of simply handing you another list.

Hear Why This Resident Chose FSS

This story was produced by the Nashville Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA). The video features current and former MDHA residents and Family Self-Sufficiency program participants. This is an example of the difference the FSS program can make in the lives of our residents.

Video courtesy of the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA), Nashville. Used with permission.

Get started

You Do Not Have Yo Have Everything Figured Out

You bring the goals. We help you build the path forward. Complete the interest form to get the enrollment process started.