The main program offered at the San Diego Housing Commission’s (SDHC) Achievement Academy is the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program.
FSS is a voluntary, two-year program for adults. The program offers an array of courses to help your family gain financial self-sufficiency. These courses include job training, career planning and financial literacy education, such as budgeting, saving, establishing good credit and income tax preparation.
The FSS program is available at no charge to the head of household receiving SDHC federal Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8).
What are the benefits?
- SDHC will establish a special, interest-bearing escrow account for qualified FSS participants.
- Participants can use the funds to meet expenses related to achieving career goals.
- Participants may receive additional credits to their account as their goals are achieved.
Who is Eligible?
- SDHC Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) recipients – Head of Household
- Non-heads of household are eligible, if they meet certain criteria
How it Works?
To participate in FSS you must:
- Attend an orientation at the SDHC Achievement Academy
- Meet with a work readiness specialist and develop a career plan
- Sign a contract
Services & Support:
The SDHC Achievement Academy and its partners provide:
- Work Readiness Workshops
- Access to training
- Financial Education & Counseling
- Help to determine your eligibility for benefits such as CalFresh (food stamps), MediCal, etc.
Your responsibilities:
- You must follow the career plan that you will develop with your work readiness specialist.
- If you have an emergency that prevents you from continuing in the program, please contact your work readiness specialist.
