Family Services
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program
The Worcester Housing Authority’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program is a voluntary, goal-focused program for Federal Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) tenants. FSS is designed to help households increase their earned income and achieve long-term financial stability. Through individualized case management, education, employment planning, and financial coaching FSS participants are provided with the tools to move toward self-sufficiency and homeownership.
Program Requirements
- Be a federal public housing resident or a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) holder.
- Be willing to participate in assessments, create a service plan, and work toward identified goals.
- Commit to working with a WHA case manager and maintaining progress toward employment and financial independence.
Program Benefits
Participants in the FSS program receive a wide range of supports.
- Individualized Case Management
- Education & Career Planning
- Financial Coaching
- Homeownership Preparation
- Training Opportunities
- Preferred access to WHA sponsored Youth Programming
- Escrow savings: Increases in rent due to earned income are placed into escrow for the family’s future use upon graduation.
Enrollment
Interested tenants should contact the Family Services department at 508-635-3274 to enroll.
A Better Life (ABL) Program
The Worcester Housing Authority’s A Better Life (ABL) program is designed to help families living in State Public Housing achieve long-term self-sufficiency. ABL provides motivated families the opportunity to stabilize and grow, reducing long-term reliance on public housing. The ABL program goals focus on the 5 pillars of self-sufficiency, employment, education, financial literacy, health, and personal. ABL participants must commit to fulfilling the program requirements.
Program Requirements
- 30 hours/week of work or school for all adult household members.
- Participation in intensive case management and ongoing assessment.
- Attendance at THRIVE workshops.
Program Benefits
The WHA assists ABL participants by providing supportive services to participants through a variety or resources and trainings.
- Employment training and job-search assistance.
- Access to resources and community partners.
- Escrow savings: Increases in rent due to earned income are placed into escrow for the family’s future use upon graduation.
- Preferred access to WHA sponsored Youth Programming
Eligibility & Admissions
Applicants can request an ABL application through WHA Admissions at 630 Plantation Street. Public Housing applicants interested in the ABL program will receive priority admission. Standard state public housing rules apply. Disabled and elderly applicants may request an exemption from the ABL program.
THRIVE - Transforming Housing Residents Into Valued Excellence
The THRIVE Program provides workshops to Worcester Housing Authority residents who want to learn how to strengthen their financial stability, increase their income, gain access to community resources, learn about job readiness, and more. The program focuses on addressing the key areas that impact a family’s ability to achieve self-sufficiency, such as employment, budgeting, credit building, and personal or family challenges.
To enroll in THRIVE classes, a tenant must:
- Be a current resident of the Worcester Housing Authority.
- Be enrolled in a self-sufficiency program such as ABL, FSS, or ROSS.
- Request a referral from their program case manager.
Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS)
ROSS provides residents with assistance, support and referrals without the long-term involvement required by other programs. These services include, but are not limited to, enrolling in ESL/Hi-SET, applying for Mass Health, referral for PCA or Home Health Aide, assistance with budgeting, creating a professional resume, applying for employment. To request ROSS Services please contact the Resident Services Office at 508-635-3306.