Participants work with a case manager to assess their strengths, identify barriers, set goals and achieve them.

Through the FSS program, clients can develop job skills and gain the training needed to achieve economic independence. Other services provided on an individual and as-needed basis include education, employment opportunities, child care, transportation, budgeting, credit and more.

As the family increases their income during the program, their rent will increase, decreasing the amount the government must pay. HDGHA puts a portion of that increase into an Escrow savings account each month, and upon graduation from the program the family receives the money, which has also earned interest. Clients have received anywhere from several hundred to $16,000.

A family working towards homeownership receives education and step-by-step guidance on the process of purchasing a home, including credit, employment and savings to get them mortgage ready.

Families may participate in the FSS program for up to five years. (In some cases, FSS may extend the contract for two more years.)

Families graduate when they have secured full-time employment, not received welfare cash assistance for 12 consecutive months, and have met all their FSS goals.