SPHA IN THE NEWS - SPHA Awarded Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program Renewal Funding from HUD
ST. PETERSBURG, FL (JANUARY 28, 2025) - The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) 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.
SPHA IN THE NEWS:
SPHA's FSS Program:
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.
LEARN MORE about SPHA's FSS Program. >
"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."
HUD:
The Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program is the nation's largest asset-building program for low-income families. On January 6, 2025, HUD announced over $140 million in funding to 836 existing grantees through the FSS Program. These awards will fund 1,537 service coordinator positions across the country. The FSS program provides grants to public housing agencies and multifamily property owners to support the salary of program coordinators. These coordinators assist participating families to capitalize on their housing assistance by connecting them with training and services to improve their economic self-sufficiency.
"This investment in the family self-sufficiency program reaffirms HUD's commitment to empowering families to achieve lasting economic independence," said HUD Agency Head, The Honorable Adrianne Todman. "This funding helps us provide the tools and resources families need to build a brighter future - one where stable housing, financial security, and upward mobility are within reach."
The FSS program is offered to families in HUD-assisted housing. FSS Program Coordinators provide coaching and develop local strategies to connect participating families with public and private resources aimed at increasing their earned income and financial empowerment. These efforts also seek to reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance and facilitate progress toward economic independence and self-sufficiency.
FSS funding play a pivotal role in helping families achieve economic independence and enhance their quality of life. By offering comprehensive support services such as job training, financial literacy education, and health and wellness programs, these initiatives provide families with the tools they need to overcome barriers and pursue their goals. Through personalized case management and the innovative escrow savings account, FSS funding helps participants build financial security and plan for their future. FSS is not just assistance programs; it is a powerful catalyst for transformation and autonomy in our communities.
CLICK HERE to read the HUD Press Release. >
SPHA:
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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