FARGO HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM
Modified February 1, 2012

The Fargo Housing & Redevelopment Authority (FHRA) began its Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program in 1993. The FSS Coordinating Council was formed in an effort to coordinate services with public and private agencies. Committee membership, in accordance with HUD guidelines, is constructed of representatives from public and private agencies as well as FSS program participant representation. The goal of the FSS Action Plan is to reflect services and outline procedures of the FSS Program.

MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Fargo Housing & Redevelopment Authority is to provide quality affordable housing opportunities and to strengthen families, promote self-sufficiency and build healthy communities while providing opportunities to improve the overall quality of life for public housing and section-8 residents.

DEMOGRAPHICS: The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program provides services to eligible families who are currently receiving Housing Assistance through Section 8 Voucher Programs or Public Housing Program as per HUD guidelines. FHRA’s FSS program currently operates a voluntary program size of 50 Section 8 voucher clients. Case management, Homeownership (currently there is a 5-10 year waiting list for a homeownership slot), and Housing assistance is given. Job readiness classes as well as stress management and self-esteem building programs are offered.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES: Extensive resources are available to FSS Program participants through public and private resources. The following services are currently available to eligible Family Self-Sufficiency Program participants. We continue to include resources from many places throughout the community. This list is not intended to be exhaustive but only an overview. Network Community Resources include: Cass County Child Support Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Career Guidance Head Start HEAT Program Women, Infants and Children (WIC) South East Human Services and Lakeland Mental Health The Center Clothing & Connections (C& C) sponsored by the Fargo Housing & Redevelopment Authority Community Action Entrepreneurship for Single Parents & Minorities (ESPM Habitat for Humanity Neighborhood Network Center Career Essentials Village Family Services Many educational programs in Fargo/Moorhead including North Dakota State University, Concordia College, and Minnesota State University of Moorhead assist FHRA tenants and refer candidates for FSS. Woodrow Adult Education provides onsite GED. Successful Completion of the FSS Program happens when the self-sufficiency goals set in the Contract of Participation and Individual Training and Services Plan are met.

For more information, contact:
Joy Kipp, LSW, Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator for Fargo Housing Authority
Phone Number: (701) 237-6355
Email: JoyK@702com.net