SPHA Awarded Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program Renewal Funding from HUD
ST. PETERSBURG, FL (JANUARY 13, 2025) - The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $309,498 in renewal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support SPHA's Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program.
This funding is for participants in SPHA's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Public Housing Programs.
The FSS program is a voluntary initiative offered to families in HUD-assisted housing. Participants receive coaching, referrals to services, and establish a family escrow savings account. FSS Program Coordinators provide coaching and develop local strategies to connect participating families with public and private resources. These resources aim to increase their earned income and financial empowerment, reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance, and facilitate progress toward economic independence and self-sufficiency.
"This renewal funding is a testament to SPHA's commitment to empowering our residents with the tools they need for success," said SPHA President and CEO Michael Lundy. "The FSS Program aligns seamlessly with our mission to promote self-sufficiency, and this renewal funding will enable us to continue enhancing the lives of our FSS participants."
"I am deeply grateful to HUD for their continued support through the renewal and additional funding for our Family Self-Sufficiency Program," said SPHA Director of Social Services Kiara Lovett. "This funding reaffirms HUD's commitment to empowering families to achieve economic independence, and we are excited to build upon the success of our program."
"I am incredibly proud of the St. Petersburg Housing Authority team for their dedicated efforts in securing this renewal funding for our Family Self-Sufficiency Program," said SPHA Board Chairman James Dates. "As we move forward, SPHA remains committed to creating opportunities for stronger communities."
The FSS program is the nation's largest asset-building program for low-income families. HUD announced in December 2024 that renewal awards totaling $141,698,830 will be distributed to 836 Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and Multifamily Property Owners to support FSS Coordinators nationwide.
Learn more about SPHA's FSS Program: https://www.stpeteha.org/fss-program
SPHA is the leading affordable housing provider in the city of St. Petersburg, serving more than 4,000 low-income households. SPHA's mission is to provide safe, sanitary, accessible, decent, and affordable housing to eligible citizens of the city of St. Petersburg, while enhancing and promoting resident self-sufficiency.
The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) Central Office.
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ABOUT THE ST. PETERSBURG HOUSING AUTHORITY (SPHA):
An independent quasi-governmental entity and a political subdivision of the State of Florida, operating under Chapter 421 Florida Statutes, SPHA is the local administrative agency for housing assistance programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). SPHA offers a variety of programs and services that provide affordable rental housing to low-income families, seniors, veterans, and the disabled in the greater St. Petersburg region. For more information, visit www.stpeteha.org.
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