Family Self Sufficiency Action Plan REVISED: … of Phoenix FSS Action Plan December 30, 2016 Page 5 of 45 THE FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY ACTION PLAN The Family Self-Sufficiency Action

Family Self Sufficiency

Action Plan

REVISED: December 30, 2016

City of Phoenix FSS Action Plan December 30, 2016

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Contents

Contents ...................................................................................................................... 2

OVERVIEW OF THE FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM (FSS) ........................ 4

THE FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY ACTION PLAN ....................................................... 5

AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERING FAIR HOUSING ......................................................... 6

FAMILY DEMOGRAPHICS ............................................................................................. 7

City of Phoenix Housing Department Demographics effective 07/01/2016 .................. 7

PARTICIPATING FAMILIES ......................................................................................... 12

ELIGIBLE FAMILIES FROM OTHER SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAMS ................... 13

FSS FAMILY RECRUITMENT, OUTREACH, SELECTION, AND PREFERENCES ..... 14

HOPE VI and Choice Neighborhood Community and Supportive Services Programs................................................................................................................................... 14

Family Unification Program (FUP) ............................................................................. 14

FUP Demonstration ................................................................................................ 15

Other FUP Referrals .............................................................................................. 16

INCENTIVES TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION ...................................................... 17

FSS ACTIVITIES AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES ....................................................... 18

METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION OF FAMILY SUPPORT NEEDS ............................. 24

PROGRAM COORDINATING COMMITTEE ................................................................ 25

SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM COMPLETION .................................................................. 26

Suitable Employment Definition ................................................................................. 26

Accommodations for Disabled Individuals ................................................................. 26

Annual Income, Earned Income, and Total Tenant Payment .................................... 26

FSS ESCROW ACCOUNT ........................................................................................... 27

Disbursement of FSS Escrow Funds ......................................................................... 27

Forfeiture of FSS Escrow ........................................................................................... 27

PORTABILITY IN THE FSS PROGRAM ....................................................................... 28

PROGRAM TERMINATION, FORFEITURE OF ESCROW ACCOUNT, AND AVAILABLE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES ................................................................... 30

ASSURANCES OF NON-INTERFERENCE WITH RIGHTS OF NON-PARTICIPATION FAMILIES ...................................................................................... 30

TIMETABLE FOR PROGRAM CONTINUATION....................................................... 30

SUMMARY .................................................................................................................... 32


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Appendix: FUP Memorandum of Understanding ........................................................... 33


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OVERVIEW OF THE FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM (FSS)

The origins of the FSS Program are in two pilot projects implemented in 1986 and 1990, Project Self-Sufficiency (PSS) and Operation Bootstrap, respectively. These projects were set up to test self-sufficiency programs for families with housing subsidies, and both demonstrated that families needed essential services in order to move toward economic self-sufficiency. These services include child care, transportation, medical care, and long-term education and training.

In the wake of the successful demonstration of these projects, the FSS Program became one of the initiatives under the Homeownership and Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere Program (HOPE) enacted in 1990, and the FSS Program was subsequently created under the National Affordable Housing Act the same year.

FSS built upon and refined both PSS and Operation Bootstrap. It remained a voluntary program in 1991 and 1992, but became mandatory in 1993 for any new increments of funding issued to a Public Housing Agency (PHA). The 1993 regulations were further modified by the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 (QHWRA).

Phoenix was selected in 1985 as a demonstration PSS site. The task of PSS was to help more single-parent families move from welfare dependency toward economic self-sufficiency. The program included 42 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) used to subsidize the housing costs of single-parent families through HCV housing assistance program. Nineteen (19) families remained enrolled in PSS at the time FSS was implemented. Fourteen (14) families initially expressed interest in the FSS program. Eight (8) of the families transitioned into FSS and agreed to execute an FSS Contract of Participation.

Since 1993, the City of Phoenix Housing Department has successfully administered the FSS program for HCV and Public Housing families, with 330 successful graduates and 128 homeowners since 1998.

Since the inception of FSS, the QHWRA established mandatory FSS Program sizes. The mandatory numbers for the FSS Program have been met and the City of Phoenix welcomes the opportunity to continue the FSS Program on a voluntary basis.


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THE FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY ACTION PLAN

The Family Self-Sufficiency Action Plan is required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The purpose of the FSS Action Plan is to establish policies for carrying out the FSS Program in a manner consistent with HUD requirements and local goals and objectives contained in the PHA’s Agency Plan. This FSS Action Plan is a supporting document to the PHA Agency Plan, and is available for public review as required by 24 CFR Part 903.

This FSS Action Plan is set forth to define the PHA’s local policies for operation of the program in the context of federal laws and regulations. All issues related to FSS not addressed in this document are governed by such federal regulations, HUD handbooks and guidebooks, notices, and other applicable laws. The policies in this FSS Action Plan have been designed to ensure compliance with the consolidated ACC and all HUD-approved applications for program funding.

The PHA is responsible for complying with all changes in HUD regulations pertaining to the FSS Program. If such changes conflict with this plan, HUD regulations will take precedence.

Administration of the FSS Program and the functions and responsibilities of PHA staff shall be in compliance with the PHA’s Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan (ACOP) and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Admin Plan policy.

This Action Plan describes the implementation and administration of the City of Phoenix's voluntary FSS Program.


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AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERING FAIR HOUSING

It is the policy of the Housing Department to fully comply with all Federal, State and local fair housing laws. The following steps will be taken by the City of Phoenix in order to affirmatively further fair housing in the FSS Program:

1. When a Family Self Sufficiency Coordinator position is vacant, it will be advertised widely in the community;

2. The program will be marketed to all eligible persons, including persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency;

3. Buildings and communications that facilitate applications and service delivery will be accessible to persons with disabilities (24 CFR 8.6);

4. Fair housing counseling services or referrals to fair housing agencies will be provided;

5. Participants will be informed of how to file a fair housing complaint, including providing the toll free number for the Housing Discrimination Hotline 1-800-669-9777; and,

6. Landlords and service providers will be recruited in areas that expand housing choice to program participants.

Records will be kept such as race, ethnicity, familial status and disability status of program participants.


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FAMILY DEMOGRAPHICS

As part of the required contents of the FSS Action Plan, family demographics of the HCV and Public Housing Program participants serve to provide a description of the number, size, characteristics, and other descriptive data (including racial and ethnic data of those participants). These data may later be used to help the Housing Department and the Program Coordinating Committee (PCC) to identify supportive service needs of the families expected to participate in the FSS Program.

An analysis that appropriately reflects the demographic characteristics of the anticipated FSS participants is based on current participants in the HCV and Public Housing Programs. The following tables are a presentation of that demographic information.

City of Phoenix Housing Department Demographics effective 07/01/2016

HCV

(6282 Vouchers)

Public Housing

(1527 Units)

Age by Gender Age by Gender

Age Male Female HOH Male

HOH Female


HOH Female

0-5 896 814 0 0 0-5 211 214 0 0

6-12 1711 1670 0 0 6-12 384 328 0 0

13-17 1459 1368 0 0 13-17 225 230 0 0

18 232 232 0 0 18 29 35 0 1

19-29 792 1097 48 256 19-29 117 235 12 142

30-39 329 1596 153 1479 30-39 59 280 26 250

40-49 376 1331 286 1233 40-49 87 237 52 206

50-54 332 512 269 474 50-54 41 81 34 71

55-61 563 638 499 572 55-61 108 137 94 123

62-65 186 236 175 211 62-65 53 75 51 67

Over 65 194 519 167 460 Over 65 144 278 136 262

Sub Total 7070 10013 1597 4685 Sub Total 1458 2130 405 1122

Race Race

Total HOH Total HOH

White 8267 3377 White 2563 1092

Black 7871 2608 Black 787 371

Native American 515 227 Native American 74 31

Asian 86 38 Asian 48 24

Other 53 28 Other 10 3

Multiple 358 77 Multiple 52 19


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HCV

(6282 Vouchers)

Public Housing

(1527 Units)

Age by Gender Age by Gender


HOH Female


HOH Female

0-5 896 814 0 0 0-5 211 214 0 0

6-12 1711 1670 0 0 6-12 384 328 0 0

13-17 1459 1368 0 0 13-17 225 230 0 0

18 232 232 0 0 18 29 35 0 1

19-29 792 1097 48 256 19-29 117 235 12 142

30-39 329 1596 153 1479 30-39 59 280 26 250

40-49 376 1331 286 1233 40-49 87 237 52 206

50-54 332 512 269 474 50-54 41 81 34 71

55-61 563 638 499 572 55-61 108 137 94 123

62-65 186 236 175 211 62-65 53 75 51 67

Over 65 194 519 167 460 Over 65 144 278 136 262


None 291 4 None 106 6

Sub Total 3640 1546 Sub Total 3640 1546

HCV

(6282 Vouchers)

Public Housing

(1527 Units)

Elderly/Disabled Elderly/Disabled

Age Elder-ly

Non-Elderly Disabled Handi- capped

Age Elderly Non-Elderly Disabled Handi-capped

0-17 0 7918 266 2 0-17 0 1592 54 1

18-61 1 8029 2139 14 18-61 0 1446 325 6

62+ 1073 62 821 3 62+ 536 14 259 7


Length of Residency Length of Residency

Years of Residency Total Tenant Family Elderly Years of Residency Total Tenant Family Elderly

1 Year or less 903 827 76 1 Year or less 385 293 92


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HCV

(6282 Vouchers)

Public Housing

(1527 Units)


Age Elder-ly



0-17 0 7918 266 2 0-17 0 1592 54 1

18-61 1 8029 2139 14 18-61 0 1446 325 6

62+ 1073 62 821 3 62+ 536 14 259 7


2 Years 394 357 37 2 Years 139 101 38

3 Years 315 284 31 3 Years 156 108 48

4 Years 432 355 77 4 Years 121 92 29

5 Years 461 393 68 5 Years 65 46 19

6-10 Years 1647 1404 243 6-10 Years 315 194 121

11-20 Years 1787 1481 306 11-20 Years 237 138 99

20+ 343 215 128 20+ 109 48 61

Sub Total 6282 5316 966 Sub Total 1527 1020 507

Total Number of Families Receiving Assistance

Total Number of Families Receiving Assistance

Income Source

Total No. of

Families

Total No. of

Persons

Age 55+

Age 18-54

Below 18

Total No. of Families

Total No. of

Persons

Age 55+

Age 18-54

Below 18

SSI 1991 2320 867 923 530 457 485 298 115 72

SS 1904 2328 1187 712 429 609 658 534 80 44

Pension 411 420 282 138 0 71 80 76 4 0

TANF 196 196 30 165 1 33 33 11 22 0

GA 768 798 205 586 7 924 945 382 563 0

Sub Total 5270 6062 2571 2524 967 2094 2201 1301 784 116

Average Annual Income Average Annual Income

Family Size Average Annual Income Number of Families

Family Size Average Annual Income Number of Families

1 8700 2458 1 10648 753

2 11658 977 2 16223 209

3 13849 904 3 15181 192

4 15396 801 4 21640 174

5 14660 575 5 20882 115


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HCV

(6282 Vouchers)

Public Housing

(1527 Units)


Age Elder-ly



0-17 0 7918 266 2 0-17 0 1592 54 1

18-61 1 8029 2139 14 18-61 0 1446 325 6

62+ 1073 62 821 3 62+ 536 14 259 7


6 14790 292 6 19202 44

7 17597 158 7 22070 25

8 18263 70 8 24223 11

9 17251 24 9 19525 1

10 16710 13 10 27234 1

11 8876 4 11 4968 1

12 28964 6 12 None 0

13 None 0 13 None 0

14 None 0 14 3600 1

Total Number of Families 6282 Total Number of Families 1527

HCV

(6282 Vouchers)

Public Housing

(1527 Units)

Earned Income Earned Income

Total No. of

Families

No. of Families

with Earned Income

% of Family

with Earned Income

Total No. of

Persons

No. of Persons

with Earned Income

Total No. of

Families

No. of Families

with Earned Income

% of Family

with Earned Income

Total No. of

Persons

No. of Persons

with Earned Income

6282 1796 28 17083 1986 1527 622 40 3589 732

Details of Tenants with Earned Income Details of Tenants with Earned Income

Age Group HOH Spouse Co-Head Other Adult Age Group

HOH Spouse Co-Head Other Adult

55+ 169 7 0 9 55+ 73 7 0 4

35-54 894 60 2 22 35-54 270 32 5 22

18-34 342 37 3 366 18-34 180 13 2 79


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Ethnicity Ethnicity

Relation Hispanic Non-Hispanic Relation Hispanic Non-Hispanic

HOH 1779 4496 HOH 723 804

Non HOH 3549 7240 Non HOH 1333 725

Sub Total 5328 11736 Sub Total 2056 1529

Source: Housing Department database, July 2016

*Does not include Matthew Henson, Marcos de Niza, and Foothills Village


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PARTICIPATING FAMILIES

The FSS program is currently approved for 150 HCV and 75 Public Housing units. Twenty-five of the Public Housing units are reserved for HOPE VI participants and 10 Section 8 Vouchers are reserved for Family Unification Program (FUP) Demonstration youth aging out of foster care. As families complete the program, they will be replaced and another family will be provided the opportunity to enroll in the program.

The City of Phoenix is requesting to increase the number of FSS Public Housing slots to 150. This is to accommodate the number of Public Housing residents wanting to join the program. Some are a result of increased participation from Scattered Sites residents wanting to work towards homeownership. The other increased demand is from the FSS Program partnership with Head Start Program staff and participants. FSS staff will coordinate with Head Start caseworkers to maximize the services provided to families to move to self-sufficiency. The majority of Head Start families wanting to enroll in FSS live in Public Housing.

Increasing Public Housing slots will also ensure available openings for participants who will be served by the recently awarded Jobs Plus Grant. This will also provide openings for Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) participants in the event this funding opportunity becomes available.


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ELIGIBLE FAMILIES FROM OTHER SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAMS

The FSS program may accept referrals from other self-sufficiency programs in order to provide long term case management services to help low income families residing in subsidized housing to become economically self-sufficient. These agencies may include, but are not limited to, MAXIMUS, Head Start Programs, HOPE VI Community and Supportive Services, DES, and Family Service Centers.

The City of Phoenix FSS Program may accept HCV portables from other cities or jurisdictions. The City of Phoenix FSS Program may accept participants who are relocating from another jurisdiction. A favorable recommendation from the originating FSS Program is required and will be documented in a participant’s case notes.

Participants who have previously participated in the FSS Program and have been closed successfully may not return to the program.


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FSS FAMILY RECRUITMENT, OUTREACH, SELECTION, AND PREFERENCES

Outreach efforts may include sending notices to current HCV and Public Housing residents about the FSS Program. Staff may also present program information at HCV briefings and recertification meetings. FSS Program information will be available at Conventional Housing and Scattered Sites offices as well as at the main housing department office to inform applicants of the FSS Program and encourage participation once they become residents in one of the assisted housing programs. FSS staff also partners with ARIZONA@Work (the local workforce provider for the City of Phoenix), Head Start parent meetings, refugee organizations and any other agencies or organization meetings who work with individuals and families who are seeking subsidized housing. Presentations cover FSS and how to access housing services.

FSS compliments CSS Programs and other programs such as FUP by adding a strong financial incentive for individuals and families. Research confirms that financial incentives for work, when combined with active case management and other work-promoting services, can be extremely effective in helping families in subsidized housing make progress toward self-sufficiency. FSS also helps families accumulate assets they can use to buy a house or make other life-transforming investments, such as post-secondary education.

Either group or individual orientations will be scheduled for all residents interested in participating in the FSS Program. Should interest exceed the available slots, the FSS Program Supervisor may need to establish a FSS waiting list according to date and time of receipt of the Interest Form.

Intakes are scheduled so the assigned caseworker can begin assessing the individual’s and family’s needs, setting goals, and identifying supportive services. The caseworker will meet with the family and explain program expectations. If the family chooses to enroll in FSS, the individual or family will sign the Contract of Participation and develop an ITSP. Selection of families for participation in FSS is based on the position on the FSS waiting list according to date and time. Families are selected without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.

HOPE VI and Choice Neighborhood Community and Supportive Services Programs

The HOPE VI and Choice Neighborhoods Community and Supportive Services Program (CSS) will notify participants about the FSS Program depending upon availability of open slots. HOPE VI and Choice Neighborhoods CSS programs are designed to help the residents impacted by HOPE VI and Choice Neighborhoods projects achieve self-sufficiency and provide community residents with the opportunity to enhance their quality of life. Through partnerships with many community agencies, the program can assist area residents with many social, educational, and employment services to improve their overall general well-being.

Family Unification Program (FUP)

The City of Phoenix Public Housing Department and the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) have had a current partnership agreement for the Family Unification


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Program (FUP) that was established in 2009. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been in effect between both programs since January 26, 2009 and the MOU is attached to this letter.

The program allows DES to refer participants for a FUP HCV voucher to be administered by the City of Phoenix HCV Program. The City has 100 FUP vouchers, 10 of these vouchers are allocated to youth ages 18 – 21. The youth vouchers are for youth aging out of the foster care system. These youths have only been allowed to utilize the voucher for 18 months but this time will now change due to the FUP Demonstration described below.

FUP Demonstration

On July 15, 2016 the City of Phoenix and the Arizona State Department of Child Safety requested to participate in the Family Unification and Family Self Sufficiency Demonstration Program as defined in PIH notice 2016-01. This was approved on July 27, 2016. This demonstration program now allows youth ages 18 – 21 aging out of the foster care system who meet HUD criteria for eligibility and who enroll in the FSS Program and sign a FSS Contract of Participation to maintain their housing assistance for an additional 42 months and possibly up to an additional 66 months (if they meet extension criteria) to complete training and degree programs. If working on a bachelor’s degree this would allow them time to complete it while maintaining stable housing and supportive services. DES supportive services end at the age of 21 (up to turning 22) and this partnership would provide a continuum of care that would provide the opportunity to increase the potential for success.

The following plan will take effect for youth in this demonstration:

DCS and Housing have identified key staff who will oversee the integration of aging out youth with the FSS program.

Youth will be referred by DCS Young Adult Program to Section 8.

Section 8 will determine eligibility and refer the youth to the FSS program.

Outreach by FSS staff is conducted at Section 8 briefings this outreach includes information on the FUP demonstration.

All eligible youth will be briefed on the availability of the demonstration and the benefits from being in the program and informed once they are approved for a HCV and complete the FSS paperwork they will be enrolled immediately.

Attendees at the orientation will be given an Interest Form and FSS Application. Residents who return completed Interest Forms and FSS Applications will be contacted by a FSS Caseworker to schedule an intake to begin the process of joining the FSS Program.

The PHA will make all accommodations and/or modifications to rules, policies, practices and procedures for individuals with disabilities to equally participate and benefit from the demonstration program and activities.

FUP Demonstration Youth will be given a selection preference in FSS.


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The participant will learn about the benefit of remaining in the Section 8 program for five years while completing the FSS Program. The FSS Program provides the support for each participant to enroll in an education/training and find living wage employment. They also establish an escrow account which they would be eligible to receive upon completion of the FSS Program.

Case managers will work with the participant to develop goals and monitor their progress on a monthly basis. They can refer to other social support programs to address barriers to success.

Participants would understand and sign an addendum to their contract identifying if they were to drop out of the program they would only be eligible for the original 18-month voucher term.

FSS case managers and DCS Young Adult Program Specialists will meet quarterly to share information on joint participants, more frequently if determined.

If a participant were to drop out of the program, they would only be eligible for the original 18-month term and DCS would be notified immediately. All efforts would be made to keep the participant successfully in the program.

All FUP youth are eligible for the grievance process referenced on page 30 of this plan

A graduation process would be held for any participant who completed the program.

Other FUP Referrals

Participants, both adult and youth, once determined to be eligible, are referred to the Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program where they would be assigned a caseworker who would be providing intensive case management services to help them meet their goals of self-sufficiency through education and employment.


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INCENTIVES TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION

The Housing Department will establish an escrow account for eligible/qualified families participating in the FSS Program. A portion of the increases in the family’s rent because of increases in earned income will be credited to the FSS escrow account in accordance with HUD regulations.

Other incentives for participation may include:

Intensive case management services

Establishment of an escrow account

First time homeownership programs, down payment assistance, and forgivable subsidies

Periodic group meetings featuring guest speakers and presentations


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FSS ACTIVITIES AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

The supportive services to be offered will include employment, education and literacy classes, job placement and retention, child care, parenting workshops, life skills classes, and transportation assistance. Also, career counseling and personal development training services will be offered.

One additional important service that will be provided is case management. This encourages continual monitoring of progress during the entire period of enrollment of the FSS participants. It will also ensure continual referrals to those supportive services that will promote the participant's economic independence and self-sufficiency.

Various activities and supportive services which will contribute to the self-sufficiency of FSS participants have been identified. An overview of a few of these services is presented.

Supportive Services Specific Services Source/Partner

Case Management

Coordination of services through an inter-disciplinary team approach

Intensive case management services

Maximization of resources

City of Phoenix Human Services Department

HOPE VI Community and Supportive Services Program

Magellan

MAXIMUS

Parenting Arizona

Southwest Behavioral and Health services

Child Care

After school care

Child care assistance

Child care counsel and/or guidance

Homework assistance

Arizona Department of Child Safety

Arizona Women's Education and Employment, Inc.

Association for Supportive Child Care

Boys and Girls Club

Chicanos Por La Causa/Via de Amistad

Child Care Resource and Referral

City of Phoenix Computer Labs

City of Phoenix Early Head Start program and Head Start Program

Department of Economic Security (funder)

First Things First

Golden Gate Community Center


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MAXIMUS Job Program

Phoenix Day

Southwest Human Development

Crisis Management

Clothing

Domestic Violence

Eviction

Financial hardships

Food

Catholic Charities

Chicanos Por La Causa / De Colores

City of Phoenix Family Service Centers

Community Legal Services

Family Support Center

Fresh Start Women’s Resource Center

Friendly House

Jewish Family & Children’s Service

Maryvale Community Service Center

Phoenix Rescue Mission

Produce On Wheels

Salvation Army

St. Mary’s Food Bank

St. Vincent De Paul

Terros

Employment

Career counseling

Career exploration

Employment and education programs

Employment retention

Enhancement of career development

Personal development training

Pre-employment readiness

Public and private job development services

Ability 360

ARIZONA@Work

Arizona Opportunities Industrialization Center



Dress for Success


Friendly House

Goodwill

Maricopa Workforce Connection


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MAXIMUS

Terros

Education

Adult basic education

Career counseling

Education and training classes in accordance with local labor market conditions,

GED

Post-secondary education

Arizona Apprenticeship

Bank Works Career Training Program


City of Phoenix Computer Labs

College Depot

DES/Vocational Rehab


Friendly House

Job Corps

Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County

Maricopa Community Colleges

Maricopa Skill Center



YMCA of Maricopa County

Financial

Credit report education

Financial education series Budget development

Money management


Money Management International

Neighborhood Housing Services

Newtown

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

YWCA of Maricopa County

Health Services

Alcohol and drug prevention

Alcohol and drug treatment

Mental Health

Physical Health

Al-Anon

Golden Gate Community Center

Health Markets

Maricopa County Department of Public Health

Maricopa County Public Health STD Clinic

Maricopa Integrated Health


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System


Mountain Park Center

Planned Parenthood

The Parsons Family Health Center

Valle del Sol

Wesley Community Health Center

Homeownership

First time homeownership opportunities Homeownership

Home maintenance

Homeownership classes

Homeownership counseling

Banks, lenders, mortgage companies

Chicanos Por La Causa/Housing

Desert Mission

Habitat for Humanity

Home in 5

HUD approved housing counseling agencies

Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA)

Neighborhood Housing Services

Newtown Community Development Corporation Community Land Trust

Trellis

Individual and Family Counseling

Counseling services Domestic violence support groups

Grief and loss support

Mental illness education Substance abuse

Arizona Interfaith Counseling/Terros

Arizona State University


Black Family and Child Services

Catholic Charities

Chicanos Por La Causa/Centro de la Familia

DES Vocational Rehabilitation

Jewish Family & Children’s Services

Lifewell Behavioral Center


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Magellan of Arizona

Marley House Family Support

Southwest Behavioral and Health services

Stepping Stones of Hope

Job Development, Training and Placement

Classroom skill training

Counseling (employment related and testing)

Employability development plan

Intake and initial assessment

Job development

Job referral and placement

Job search assistance

Orientation to the world of work (on an as-needed basis)

Outreach and recruitment

Post termination services

Resume assistance

Targeted jobs tax credit eligibility

Arizona @ Work


Beacon Group

Chicanos Por La Causa

DES/Vocational Rehab


Goodwill

Greater Phoenix Urban League

Housing Department

Job Corps

Lifewell Behavioral Center

Maricopa Community Colleges

Maricopa Skill Center


St. Mary’s Food Bank Community Kitchen

Workforce Connection

Parenting

Family counseling

Parenting classes

Parenting supportive services

Association for Supportive Child Care

Catholic Charities

Child Crisis Arizona

City of Phoenix Head Start and Early Head Start Programs

Ebony House

Family Involvement Center

Family Involvement Center

Family Resource Center

Fathers Matter

Friendly House

Jewish Family & Children’s


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Services


New Direction

Parents Anonymous

Phoenix Day

Southwest Human Development

Transportation Adequate and reliable

transportation


City of Phoenix Housing Department

City of Phoenix Human Services Department

MAXIMUS


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METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION OF FAMILY SUPPORT NEEDS

Case management has been very instrumental in the success of the FSS Program. The design and focus of case management for FSS participants will be a continual process of identifying and reviewing problems that block or interfere with the promotion and achievement of self-sufficiency and economic independence.

The case manager and family will work together to develop an Individual Training and Services Plan (ITSP). The ITSP is based on the participant's assessed needs. The ITSP will assist the FSS participants in achieving goals by providing supportive services and advocacy, and identifying appropriate resources to coordinate needed services. The objectives and strategies include services to be provided, and identification of service providers. The expected role of the participant and caseworker will also be defined. The ITSP will include specific target dates and milestones to help the family focus on achieving the desired outcomes. The ITSP will be kept in the participant's case file and will specify the case goals, objectives and strategies for attaining the goals.

Once the caseworker and FSS participant complete an initial assessment and agree on the written goals and objectives, the ITSP will be implemented. The caseworker will refer the family to service providers that will provide specialized services that help them achieve program goals and milestones. All referrals and authorizations for services will be recorded in the case file, Tracking At-A-Glance case management system, and Visual Homes where the information will be transmitted to PIC for monitoring of grant compliance by HUD.

At six month intervals, or sooner if needed, the caseworker and the FSS participant will review and assess the progress of the ITSP. Successes, delays and barriers encountered by participants will be reviewed together with the case manager to affirm positive outcomes and discuss methods to overcome delays or barriers. Variances such as availability of resources or changes in the participant's need will be appropriately considered for modification to the ITSP. The ITSP will be revised to reflect the modifications for services needed or actions required. The ITSP will be updated a minimum of every six months.

The estimated time frame to assist FSS families in achieving self-sufficiency and economic independence is five (5) years or less. Extensions to this time frame may be considered in certain situations for up to an additional two years of participation in FSS.


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PROGRAM COORDINATING COMMITTEE

A Program Coordinating Committee (PCC) has been established to bring together both public and private agency representatives in the community. The role of the PCC is generally to support program marketing efforts, to assist in securing commitments of public and private resources, and to assist in fund raising efforts for the program.

Additionally, the PCC may be called upon to assist with the development, implementation and administration of program components or policies.

The PCC is comprised of staff, Public Housing or Section 8 Housing Assistance participants, and representatives from community agencies and private business entities from the community.


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SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM COMPLETION

Completion of the FSS Contract of Participation occurs when the following occurs:

1. The family has fulfilled all of its responsibilities under the contract; or

2. 30 percent of the family’s monthly adjusted income equals or is greater than the Fair Market Rent amount for the unit size for which the family qualifies.

In order for the participant successfully complete the FSS contract and receive proceeds (if any) from the FSS escrow account, the FSS participant must be suitably employed in a full-time capacity (as defined in this action plan).

Suitable Employment Definition

Suitable employment, as required by the contract, is generally expected to be full-time, except in documented disability situations. Full-time employment is defined as:

• Hourly or salaried employees at 32 or more hours per week

• Verifiable self-employment with net earnings equal to or greater than 32 hours per week at minimum wage, and is being declared for tax purposes

• Verifiable contracted or commissioned employment equal to or greater than 32 hours per week at minimum wage, and is being declared for tax purposes.

Accommodations for Disabled Individuals

Accommodations must be requested in writing and supported by a written statement from the individual’s medical provider at least 60 days prior to program completion. The statement will include a recommendation from the medical provider as to a specific number of hours that the individual is able to work due to disability. Accommodation will not be considered for less than 24 hours per week (for hourly or salaried employees) or net earnings of 24 hours per week at minimum wage (for self-employment). Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Families who have fulfilled all of their responsibilities will be entitled to receive the funds in their escrow account. The family must be in good standing with the Public Housing or HCV. Should the family owe any funds to the Housing Department, those monies will be deducted from the escrow account disbursement.

Annual Income, Earned Income, and Total Tenant Payment

The household’s Gross Annual Income, Annual Earned Income, and Total Tenant Payment (TTP) will be listed in the FSS contract. These amounts will remain the same throughout the contract term (except in the case of correction due to error). These amounts will be derived from the latest annual or interim recertification (HUD form 50058), with an effective date no more than 120 days prior to the contract commencement date. (If the effective date of the current 50058 is more than 120 days prior, an annual or interim recertification must be conducted for this purpose prior to commencement of the FSS contract.)


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FSS ESCROW ACCOUNT

Each FSS participant will have their own Escrow Account established in accordance with HUD Regulations. Housing software will calculate and track escrow credits, interest, disbursements, and forfeitures for each family. FSS escrow funds accrued will be invested in HUD-approved investments in accordance with HUD Handbook 7475.1, revised Section 4-8. Investment income participating family’s FSS escrow account. A statement of escrow balance, credits, interest, and payments will be mailed to each family annually.

Disbursement of FSS Escrow Funds

Escrow funds will be disbursed following successful completion of program requirements according to the FSS Contract of Participation. The accrued escrow balance, minus any debts owed to the Housing Department, will be disbursed to the designated head of household.

The Housing Department may consider requests for an interim disbursement of a portion of the FSS escrow:

1. The request must be submitted in writing and meet requirements for interim disbursement as stated in the FSS contract. The family will show that the purpose is goal-related and the family has attempted other resources.

2. The FSS Program Supervisor will make a determination on a case-by-case basis for the early escrow release and the interim goals that must be completed prior to an early escrow disbursement. Disbursement must also be approved by the Housing Supervisor or Director.

3. Only one interim withdrawal from escrow may be approved per family

4. Amount of interim withdrawal from escrow may not exceed 50% of participant’s current escrow balance

5. Any interim disbursement will be deducted from the escrow balance

Forfeiture of FSS Escrow

The FSS family will automatically forfeit their FSS escrow when any of the following conditions apply:

1. The family fails to complete the goals and obligations in the contract of participation, resulting in program termination

2. The family voluntarily withdraws from the program

3. The family moves to another Housing Authority’s jurisdiction which does not have an FSS program or is not accepted into the receiving FSS program, and is not able or is not approved to continue in the Phoenix FSS program (see portability section)

4. The family is terminated from the HCV program for non-compliance of lease agreement and/or HCV policy and rules


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PORTABILITY IN THE FSS PROGRAM

Once a family moves outside the initial PHA’s jurisdiction, a determination will need to be made regarding whether the family will continue to participate in the initial PHA’s FSS Program or whether it will participate in the FSS Program of the receiving PHA. The following section will address how portability and the FSS Program will be handled.

Continued Participation in the FSS program of the Initial PHA

A relocating FSS family may continue in the FSS Program of the initial PHA if the family demonstrates to the satisfaction of the initial PHA that, notwithstanding the move, the relocating FSS family will be able to fulfill its responsibilities under the initial or modified FSS Contract of Participation at its new place of residence. For example, this could mean that the FSS family may be able to commute to the supportive services specified in the Contract of Participation, or the family may move to obtain employment as specified in the Contract.

Should the relocating family stay in the initial PHA’s FSS Program, there will be only one FSS Contract of Participation. This will be the same Contract as originally executed by the initial PHA.

Participation in the FSS Program of the Receiving PHA

When a family moves into the jurisdiction of another PHA, the relocating FSS family may participate in the FSS program of the receiving PHA if the receiving PHA allows the family to do so. However, a PHA is not obligated to enroll a relocating FSS family in its FSS Program.

In cases where the receiving PHA allows the relocating FSS family to participate in its FSS program, the receiving PHA will enter into a new FSS Contract of Participation with the FSS family for the term remaining on the Contract with the initial PHA. The initial PHA will then terminate its Contract of Participation with the family.

Portability and the Escrow Account

The escrow account is one aspect of the FSS Program that could present an issue if a participant family decides to move under portability because the family’s account is administered by the initial PHA. Regardless of whether the relocating FSS family remains in the FSS Program of the initial PHA or is enrolled in the FSS Program of the receiving PHA, FSS regulations specify that there will be a single FSS account to be maintained by the initial PHA so long as the initial PHA is ultimately paying the housing assistance payment. However, when an FSS family is absorbed by the receiving PHA, the initial PHA transfers the family’s FSS account to the receiving PHA, and the receiving PHA begins administering the account.

Portability and FSS Program Termination and Loss of FSS Account

Another point of consideration for PHAs is noncompliance with the Contract of Participation when the FSS participant family moves outside of the PHA’s jurisdiction. In such cases, noncompliance with the Contract is treated the same under portability as it is if the noncompliance occurred in the initial PHA’s jurisdiction. According to the regulatory language, if an FSS family that relocates to another jurisdiction is unable to


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fulfill its obligations under the Contract of Participation (or any modifications to the Contract), the PHA administering the Contract will terminate the FSS family from the FSS Program and the family’s FSS account will be forfeited.

In the event of forfeiture of the family's FSS account, the funds in the family’s FSS account will revert to the PHA maintaining the FSS escrow account for the family.


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PROGRAM TERMINATION, FORFEITURE OF ESCROW ACCOUNT, AND

AVAILABLE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

Forfeiture of FSS Escrow

The FSS family will automatically forfeit their FSS escrow when any of the following conditions apply:

1. The family fails to complete the goals and obligations in the contract of participation, resulting in program termination

2. The family voluntarily withdraws from the program

3. The family moves to another Housing Authority’s jurisdiction which does not have an FSS program or is not accepted into the receiving FSS program, and is not able or is not approved to continue in the City of Phoenix FSS program (see portability section)

4. The family is terminated from the housing program for non-compliance of lease agreement, policy, and rules.

5. The family continues to receive welfare assistance (TANF) at the end of the FSS contract term (this does not include Medicaid, child care assistance, food stamps or housing subsidies).

6. If a FUP youth participating in the FUP Demonstration fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the FSS Contract of Participation without good cause and is terminated from the FSS program, the FUP youth is no longer considered a participant in this demonstration. With FSS termination, the FUP youth is subject to the statutory time limit of 18 months, beginning from the time the first HAP contract is signed. If the FUP youth has been assisted for more than 18 months, the PHA terminates assistance to the FUP youth household.

Families who have been terminated from the FSS Program will not be entitled to receive their escrow account funds. Escrow account funds forfeited by a Public Housing FSS family will be credited to the operating reserves. Escrow account funds forfeited by a HCV FSS family will be treated as HCV receipts for payment of program expenses.

Grievance Procedure

HCV families who are terminated from the FSS Program are entitled to request an informal hearing in accordance with the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Admin Plan procedures. Public Housing residents who are terminated from the FSS Program are entitled to request a hearing in accordance with the Housing Department's Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan procedures.

ASSURANCES OF NON-INTERFERENCE WITH RIGHTS OF NON-PARTICIPATION FAMILIES

A family's decision not to participate in FSS will not affect the family's admission to Subsidized Housing or the family's right to occupancy in accordance with its lease.

TIMETABLE FOR PROGRAM CONTINUATION


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Enrollment in the FSS Program began in February 1993. The HUD requirement of 119 successful graduates has been met. The City of Phoenix has committed to continue a voluntary FSS program.


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SUMMARY

The City of Phoenix FSS program has demonstrated significant success with 330 successful graduates and 128 homeowners. The success is based on several factors. Intensive case management services offered to FSS participants are a critical component of the services offered in helping participants achieve economic self-sufficiency. Intensive case management provides supportive services to empower participants to reduce or eliminate barriers to self-sufficiency.

Participants have the ability to build wealth through the establishment of an escrow account when the participants earned income increases.

The partnerships established with community agencies have resulted in an optimal coordination and efficient utilization of resources.

The history of experience, successful track record and existing linkages with private and public resources or support services will result in a continued successful City of Phoenix FSS Program.


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Appendix: FUP Memorandum of Understanding


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Documents

Family Self Sufficiency Action Plan REVISED: … of Phoenix FSS Action Plan December 30, 2016 Page 5 of 45 THE FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY ACTION PLAN The Family Self-Sufficiency Action