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Tampa Housing Authority Receives Largest Family Self-Sufficiency Award in Florida from HUD

Date Posted: 03/13/2024
Category: Awards

Program Is Designed to Help Residents Achieve Financial Stability

TAMPA, Fla. - March 13, 2024 - The Tampa Housing Authority (THA) is celebrating having received the largest Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) award in Florida from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), totaling $920,007.00 for the 2024 calendar year. This significant grant will augment THA's ability to foster economic independence among its residents through its innovative FSS Program.

THA operates a voluntary Family Self-Sufficiency program aimed at empowering families with income below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Under this program, participants develop an Individualized Training and Services Plan, collaborating with an FSS Coordinator to set personalized goals such as earning a GED, securing employment, increasing income, or obtaining an advanced academic degree. As participants' incomes rise, their Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) decreases, and they accrue escrow savings based on a precise calculation. This earned escrow is disbursed to them upon successful graduation from the FSS Program, contingent upon fulfilling requirements, such as being cash assistance-free, gainfully employed, and meeting all established goals.

"We're proud to operate a voluntary FSS Program that empowers our residents to achieve their full potential," said Margaret Jones, Assisted Housing Director at THA. "Our program is designed to provide tailored support and incentives for families to reach their goals, leading to greater financial stability and self-sufficiency," adds Jones.

One of the hallmarks of THA's FSS Program is its track record of success, with an average of 3-4 families graduating monthly and receiving substantial escrow payments as a result of their hard work and dedication.

The FSS program offers essential resources and opportunities for HUD-assisted families to attain financial stability. This program highlights HUD's dedication to empowering residents and promoting economic justice. "The generous funding provided by HUD will enable THA to expand its FSS Program's impact, continuing to empower our residents on their journey toward self-sufficiency," states Leroy Moore, THA SVP & Chief Operating Officer.

"This funding demonstrates HUD's commitment to advance equity especially in underserved communities.  This is an opportunity to ensure that the HUD-assisted families we serve have access to financial literacy, on the job training, and educational opportunities," said HUD Southeast Regional Administrator Jennifer Riley Collins. "With access to these three key components, families now have an opportunity to achieve financial stability."