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City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment’s
Family Self-Sufficiency Action Plan
Effective 7/1/2024
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Table of Contents
I.
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 5
II. Program Objectives ........................................................................................................................... 5
III. Program Size and Characteristics .................................................................................................... 5
III.A. – Family Demographics .................................................................................................................. 5
III.B – Supportive Services Needs ............................................................................................................ 8
III. C. – Estimate of Participating Families .............................................................................................. 8
III. D – Other Self-Sufficiency Programs ................................................................................................. 9
IV. Family Selection Procedures ............................................................................................................. 9
A. – Waiting List....................................................................................................................................... 9
B. – Admissions Preferences ................................................................................................................... 9
C. – Screening for motivation ................................................................................................................. 10
D. – Complianc with nondiscriminations policies .................................................................................. 10
E. – Re-enrollment of prior FSS participants .......................................................................................... 11
F. – Head of FSS Family ......................................................................................................................... 11
V. Outreach ........................................................................................................................................... 12
VI. FSS Escrow Account and Other Incentives for Participants ....................................................... 13
A. – Additional Incentives ...................................................................................................................... 13
B. – Interim Disbursements .................................................................................................................... 13
C. – Uses of forfeited escrow funds ........................................................................................................ 14
VII. Family Activities and Supportive Services .................................................................................... 16
VIII. Method of Identifying Family Support Needs and Delivering Appropriate Support Services 18
A. – Identifying Family Support Needs .................................................................................................. 18
B. – Delivering Appropriate Support Services ....................................................................................... 19
C. – Transitional supportive service assistance ...................................................................................... 19
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IX. Contract of Participation ................................................................................................................. 19
A. – Form and content of contract .......................................................................................................... 19
B. – ITSP goals ....................................................................................................................................... 20
C. – Determination of suitable employment ........................................................................................... 20
D. – Contract of Participation term and extensions ................................................................................ 20
E. – Completion of the contract .............................................................................................................. 21
F. – Modification .................................................................................................................................... 21
G. – Consequences of noncompliance with the contract ........................................................................ 22
X. Program Termination, Withholding of Services, and Available Grievance Procedures ........... 22
A. – Involuntarily Termination ............................................................................................................... 22
B. – Voluntary Termination .................................................................................................................... 23
C. – Termination with Escrow Disbursement ......................................................................................... 23
D. – Grievance Procedures ..................................................................................................................... 24
XI. Assurance of Non-Interference ....................................................................................................... 24
XII. Timetable .......................................................................................................................................... 24
XIII. Reasonable Accommodations, Effective Communications, and Limited English Proficiency . 25
XIV. Coordination of Services ................................................................................................................. 26
A. – Certification of Coordination .......................................................................................................... 26
B. – Program Coordinating Committee .................................................................................................. 26
XV. FSS Portability (Applicable to HCV Only) .................................................................................... 27
A. – Portability in initial 12 months ........................................................................................................ 27
B. – Moves into the PHA’s jurisdiction .................................................................................................. 27
C. – FSS termination with disbursement for porting families ................................................................ 27
XVI. Other Policies ................................................................................................................................... 27
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XVII. HOTMA .......................................................................................................................................... 29
Impact of HOTMA on Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Programs........................................................... 29
HOTMA Resources ................................................................................................................................ 29
XVIII. Definitions...................................................................................................................................... 30
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I. INTRODUCTON
This document constitutes the Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program Action Plan for the FSS
program operated by City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division. It was submitted
to HUD on September 30, 2022.
The purpose of the FSS Program is to promote the development of local strategies to coordinate
the use of HUD assistance with public and private resources in order to enable eligible families
to make progress toward economic security.
The purpose of the FSS Action Plan is to establish policies and procedures for carrying out the
FSS program in a manner consistent with HUD requirements and local objectives.
This FSS Action Plan describes the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division’s
local polices for operation of the FSS program in the context of federal laws and regulations. The
FSS program will be operated in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, notices and HUD
handbooks. The policies in this FSS Action Plan have been designed to ensure compliance with
all approved applications for HUD FSS funding.
The FSS program and the functions and responsibilities of PHA staff are consistent with the City
of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division’s personnel policy and Agency Plan.
II. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division’s FSS program seeks to help
families make progress toward economic security by supporting the family’s efforts to:
• Increase their earned income
• Build financial capability
Achieve their financial goals
III. PROGRAM SIZE AND CHARACTERISTICS
III. A. Family Demographics
These tables describe the demographics of the population expected to be served by the City of Chandler
Housing and Redevelopment Division’s Action Plan.
The FSS program will serve the following housing assistance programs:
☒ Public Housing,
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☒ Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV): Tenant-Based Vouchers
☒ Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV)
Ages of Head of Household and Other Adults
Percent
Ages of Head of Household
--Head of Household is age 24 years or younger
1 %
--Head of Household is age 25 to 50
52%
--Head of Household is age 51 to 61
22%
--Head of Household is age 62 or greater
25%
Ages of Other Adults in Household
-- Age 24 years or younger
55%
-- Age 25 to 50
31%
-- Age 51 to 61
7%
-- Age 62 or greater
7%
Presence and Ages of Children
Percent
Presence and Ages of Children
--Households that only include adults over age 18
56%
--Households that include one or more child age 13-17
34%
--Households that include children who are all 12 or younger
10%
Employment Status of Population to be Served
Percent
Employment Status of Head of Household
--Families with an employed head
44%
--Families whose head is unemployed
56%
Employment Status of All family members
--Families with any member that is employed
46%
--Families with no employed member
54%
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Annual Earned Income of Population to be Served
Percent
Annual household earnings <$5,000 per year
10%
Annual household earnings between $5,000 and $9,999
25%
Annual household earnings between $10,000 and $14,999
32%
Annual household earnings between $15,000 and $19,999
11%
Annual household earnings between $20,000 and $24,999
7%
Annual household earnings between $25,000 and $29,999
5%
Annual household earnings between $30,000 and $34,999
6%
Annual household earnings of $35,000 or higher
4%
Elderly/Disability Status of Population to be Served
Percent
Elderly/Disability Status of Head of Household
--Head of Household is an elderly person without disabilities
9%
--Head of Household is an elderly person with disabilities
16%
--Head of Household is a non-elderly person without disabilities
16%
--Head of Household is neither an elderly person nor a person with
disabilities
59%
Elderly/Disability Status of All Household members
--Household includes an elderly person without disabilities
3%
--Household includes an elderly person with disabilities
6%
--Household includes a non-elderly person with disabilities
10%
--Household includes no elderly persons or persons with disabilities
81%
Race and Ethnicity of Population to be Served (required)
Race
Non-Hispanic
Hispanic
White 32%
32%
36%
Black or African-American 25%
43%
32%
American Indian or Alaska Native 6%
62%
32%
Asian 1%
67%
32%
Native Hawaiian or other 0%
Pacific Islander
68%
42%
Other Race 0%
68%
42%
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III.B. Supportive Service Needs
Supportive Services Needs of Families Expected to Participate in FSS
The following is a list of the supportive service needs of the families expected to enroll in the City of
Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division’s FSS program:
•
Training in basic skills and executive function (including household management)
•
Employment training, including sectoral training and contextualized and/or accelerated basic
skills instruction
•
Job placement assistance
•
GED preparation
•
Higher education guidance and support
•
English as a Second Language
•
Assistance accessing and paying for childcare
•
Transportation assistance
•
Financial coaching, including assistance with budgeting, banking, credit, debt, and savings
•
Access to counseling or treatment for substance abuse and mental health
•
Dental care, health care, and mental health care including substance abuse treatment/counseling
•
Homeownership readiness
This list of supportive services needs is based on:
☒ Experience with past FSS or other supportive service program participants
☒ Input from the PCC or other service provider partners
☒ A needs assessment completed on FSS enrollment date
III.C. Estimate of Participating Families
Over time, City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division hopes to serve all families who are
interested in participating in the FSS Program. The number of spaces available in the program at any
given time, however, will be limited by the program’s resources, including the number of FSS
coordinators funded to work with FSS participants. New families will be admitted to the FSS program as
space permits.
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In recent years, the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division has been funded for two (2)
coordinators. The minimum number of participants required to be served based on this funding is Zero
Mandatory, 60 voluntary Public Housing and 60 voluntary Housing Choice Voucher, for each program
with a goal to increase by 10 for each caseload by end of fiscal year.
Historically, the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division’s FSS program has enrolled 10
new families into the FSS program each year. Accordingly, the City of Chandler Housing and
Redevelopment Division expects to be able to provide FSS Services to 170 families over a five-year
period.
Therefore, as of the time of preparation of this Action Plan, the City of Chandler Housing and
Redevelopment Division expects to be able to serve 140 families in the FSS program at any one time.
III. D. Other Self-Sufficiency Programs
The City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division except to enroll into FSS families from the
self-sufficiency programs checked in the table below.
Name of Program
Check box if applicable
Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV)
☒
IV. Family Selection Procedures
A. Waiting List
A waiting list will be maintained for families whose applications cannot be accepted at the time of initial
application due to program capacity limits. The waiting list will include the name and contact information
for the head of household of the applicant family, the date of their application and household income and
demographics.
B. Admissions Preferences
The FSS program has not adopted any admissions preferences. Families will be selected based on the
following selection method:
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Selection Method
Date the family expressed an interest in
participating in the FSS program
☒
C. Screening for motivation.
The City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division will use one or more motivational screening
factors to measure the family’s interest and motivation to participate in the FSS program. The following
screening criteria will be used:
☐ Orientation Session: The City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division will screen
families for motivation to participate in the FSS program by requiring that families who apply to enroll in
the FSS program attend an initial orientation session. Each family will be given two opportunities to
attend the orientation session and may request accommodation if unable to attend a scheduled orientation
session. Accommodations will be offered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the needs of the
applicant. Accommodations may include an individually scheduled orientation session, provision of
transportation to/from the orientation site, translation services, an alternative location, a virtual orientation
session, or allowance and encouragement to bring children to the session, where possible.
D. Compliance with nondiscrimination policies
It is the policy of the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division to comply with all Federal,
State, and local nondiscrimination laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Fair Housing Act,
the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. No person shall
be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination
under the FSS program on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, family status,
source of income, disability or perceived gender identity and sexual orientation. In addition, the City of
Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division’s FSS staff will, upon request, provide reasonable
accommodation to persons with disabilities to ensure they are able to take advantage of the services
provided by the FSS program (see Requests for Reasonable Accommodations).
The FSS program staff has the primary responsibility to make sure that participants are not discriminated
against in the selection process. For families or individuals whose potential enrollment is in question, the
FSS coordinators will review the file in the staff review meeting to ensure that non-selection is not based
on discriminatory factors before the final decision is made. Applicants will be notified in writing of the
reason(s) they were not selected for participation and will have the opportunity to appeal the decision (see
Hearing Procedures). At all times, the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division will
select families for participation in the FSS program in accordance with FSS Regulations and HUD
guidelines.
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PHA Policy:
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: Persons with a disability or those who require a
reasonable accommodation, modification, and auxiliary aids and services may submit a request at
any time. Requests may include (but are not limited to) documents in large print or Braille,
readers, sign language interpreters, or assistance explaining forms. Requests may be made to the
City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division by calling 480-782-3200 (*711 via
Arizona Relay Service, TTY English 800-367-8939 or Español 800-842-2088); faxing 480-782-
3220;
emailing chandler.housing@chandleraz.gov or housing.residents@chandleraz.gov; or mailin
g written a request to City of Chandler Hosing Housing and Redevelopment Division, Mail Stop
101, P.O. Box 4008, Chandler, AZ 85244-4008.
Language Assistance: Persons with limited English proficiency are entitled to language assistance with
written or oral communication. These services are available at no cost. To obtain language assistance,
contact our office by calling 480-782-3200.
E. Re-enrollment of prior FSS participants
The following previous FSS families will be allowed to re-enroll in the City of Chandler Housing and
Redevelopment Division’s FSS program:
☒ FSS program graduates [three years or more since graduation, if applicable]
☒ FSS participants who have withdrawn voluntarily [one year or more from date of exit, if applicable]
☒ Families involuntarily terminated [one year or more from date of exit, if applicable]
☒ Family members who were not Heads of FSS Family previously
The following conditions apply to re-enrollment:
The re-enrollment of a prior FSS participant will be approved one time only.
F. Head of FSS Family
The head of the FSS family is designated by the participating family. The in the City of Chandler
Housing and Redevelopment Division may make itself available to consult with families on this
decision but it is the assisted household that chooses the head of FSS family that is most suitable for their
individual household circumstances. The designation or any changes by the household to the Head of FSS
Family must be submitted to the in the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division in:
☒ Writing
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V. Outreach
The City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division will conduct widespread outreach to
encourage enrollment in the FSS program. Outreach efforts will include the activities identified through
the checked boxes below: Interpreters will be used as needed and clients may contact staff to express
interest in person, via our toll-free telephone number or by email.
Outreach Methods
Details, including frequency
☒ Posting information about FSS on the City of
Chandler Housing and Redevelopment
Division’s website
FSS “Success story” video posted on website.
☒ Posting FSS program flyers in locations likely
to be seen by eligible families
Monthly.
☒ Providing information about the FSS program
during scheduled reexaminations
Once a year at annual reexaminations.
☒ Providing information about the FSS program
at voucher orientation sessions
At all scheduled voucher orientation sessions.
☒ Holding well-publicized information sessions
about FSS
At housing authority scheduled events.
☒ Providing information about the FSS program
to eligible families by mail
At least once a year, dependent upon budget
Outreach informational material about the FSS Program will include information about:
•
Program overview
•
Program benefits
•
Available resources
•
Participant responsibilities
•
Program outcomes
Outreach efforts will be targeted equally to all families, using materials in both English and other
commonly spoken languages to ensure that non-English and limited English-speaking families receive
information and have the opportunity to participate in the FSS Program. In conducting outreach, the City
of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division will account for the needs of person with disabilities,
including persons with impaired vision, hearing or mobility, and provide effective communications to
ensure that all eligible who wish to participate are able to do so.
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VI. FSS Escrow Account and Other Incentives for Participants
FSS participants will be eligible to build savings from the FSS escrow account. Key policies and
procedures applicable to the FSS escrow account, as well as any additional incentives offered by the City
of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division, are described below.
A. Additional Incentives
While the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division’s FSS program does not provide any
other financial incentives for FSS participants, it does provide coaching services, as well as referrals to
other service providers, that can be very valuable for FSS program participants.
B. Interim Disbursements
The City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division will allow for interim disbursements on a
case-by-case basis: Families may request an interim disbursement from the escrow account once the FSS
family has fulfilled at least one interim goal, in order to pay for specific goods or services that will help
the family make progress toward achieving the goals in its Individual Training and Services Plan (ITSP).
Requests may be made in writing. Requests may be made through the term of the Contract of
Participation. Examples of potentially eligible activities include, but are not limited to, payments for post-
secondary education, job training, credit repair, small business start-up costs, job start-up expenses, and
transportation to/from a place of employment. Certainly guidelines / limitations apply to interim
disbursement requests, as noted in the table below. The FSS Coordinator and an administrative staff
representative of the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division will consider requests for
interim disbursement in light of these policies and applicable federal requirements.
Specific guidelines / limitations apply to interim disbursement requests for the expenditure types checked
in the box below.
Expenditure Type
Guidelines / Limitations
☒ Debt repayment
☒ Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis
☒ An interim disbursement for debt repayment may not exceed 10% of
the participant’s escrow savings.
☒ Car purchase
☒ The maximum interim disbursement that will be allowed for a car
purchase is: $10,000
☒ Head of FSS Household must be engaged in financial coaching and
this request must have the support of their financial coach
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☒The terms of any car purchase or car loan will be carefully scrutinized
to ensure the terms are reasonable.
☒ Head of FSS Household must submit a budget that includes the
ability to cover insurance, gas and savings for maintenance and repair of
the vehicle.
☒ Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis
C. Uses of forfeited escrow funds.
Treatment of forfeited FSS escrow account funds. FSS escrow account funds forfeited by the FSS
family (if any) will be used to support FSS participants in good standing. Upon written request from a
family, the FSS Coordinator and a member of the PCC will consider the available funds and make a
determination.
The City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division may also initiate a request for the use of
forfeited escrow funds.
At the discretion of the FSS coordinator, forfeited escrow funds may be considered in lieu of an interim
escrow disbursement.
Forfeited FSS escrow funds may be deployed:
☒ Any time during the term of a household’s CoP
Use of forfeited escrow funds for eligible uses (described below) may be requested by:
☒ City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division
Eligible uses of forfeited escrow funds include, but are not limited to:
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Eligible Uses
Guidelines / Limitations
☒ Purchasing a vehicle
☒ Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis
☒ Child Care
☒ Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis
☒ Training for participants
☒ Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis
☒ Employment or
Educational Costs, including:
☒ Employment training
☒ Education costs (books,
fees, uniforms, tools,
☒ Head of FSS Household must be engaged in financial
coaching and this request must have the support of their
financial coach
☐ Training for FSS Program
staff
☒ Requests for funding must be approached by [entity (e.g.,
the PCC)]
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VII. Family Activities and Supportive Services
As described in the next section, all families participating in the FSS program will benefit from coaching
that helps them identify and achieve goals that the family selects. Drawing on partners on the program
coordinating committee and relationships with other service providers, the coaches will provide referrals
as needed to help FSS participants access appropriate services to help them achieve their goals:
Supportive Service
Category
Specific Service
Source/Partner
☒ Assessment
☒ Vocational Assessment Educational ☒
Assessment Disability Assessment
☒ Disability Other specialized
assessments
Maricopa Community
College Career Outreach
Arizona @ Work
Ability 360
☒ Child Care
☒ Infant Care / Toddler Care Preschool
Care
☒ Afterschool Care
☒ Homework Assistance
Sunrise Preschool/Tots
Unlimited
City of Chandler Parks &
Recreation
Kids Club
Boys & Girls Club
ICAN
☒ Transportation
☒ Bus passes
☒ Assistance with car repairs
☒ Assistance with car purchase
Valley Metro
Restoration Rides Ministry
☒ Education
☒ High School Equivalency/GED
☒ English as a Second Language
☒ Post-secondary certificates
☒ Advanced Degrees
Chandler Public Library
Friendly House
Si Se Puede Foundation
Maricopa Community
Colleges
ASU, GCU
☒ Skills Training
☒ Training in Executive Function
☒ Basic Skills Training
☒ Emerging Technologies Training ☐
☒Biomedical Training (including CNA,
phlebotomy, x-ray and other tech, etc.)
☒ On-the-Job Training
☒ Apprenticeships
☒ Skilled Labor training
Fresh Start
Dress for Success
Chicanos Por La Causa
AWEE, Inc.
MAXIMUS
Father Matters
MesaCAN/A New Leaf
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☒ Job Search Assistance
☒ Resume Preparation
☒ Interviewing Skills
☒ Dress for Success
☒ Workplace Skills
☒ Job Development
☒ Job Placement
Dress for Success
MAXIMUS
Arizona @ Work
Father Matters
MesaCAN/A New Leaf
☒ Micro and Small
Business Development
☒ Small business development services
☒ Small business Mentoring
☒ Entrepreneurship Training
Small Business
Administration (SBA),
MesaCAN/A New Leaf
City of Chandler Chamber
of Commerce
☒ Health/Mental Health
Care
☒ Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention
☒ Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment
☐ Primary care
☐ Dental services
☐ Mental Health Services
☒ Health Insurance Advising
Mercy Maricopa Integrated
Health
Al Anon/Ala Teen Info
Center
Community Bridges
Magellan
Chandler Care Center
☒ Crisis Services
☒ Crisis Assessment
☒ Crisis Intervention
☒ Crisis Management
☐ Crisis Resolution
Impact 24-Hour Crisis Line
Al Anon/Ala Teen Info
Center
Community Bridges
Magellan
City of Chandler Fire Dept.
Family Resource
Center/Child Crisis Center
Terroz
City of Chandler Victims
Assistance
My Sister’s Place
Center Against Family
Violence
Chicanos Por La Causa
Chrysalis
24 hour Domestic Violence
Hotline
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☒ Child/Adult Protective
Services
☒ Information Referral
Senior Helpline
Child Abuse 24 hour
Hotline
Child Crisis Center Mesa
State of AZ child abuse
hotline
☒ Homeownership
Preparation
☒ Homeownership Education
☒ Housing Counseling
☒ Down payment Assistance
☒ Other Homeownership Assistance
Newtown
Trellis
Habitat for Humanity
NACA
☒ Financial Empowerment
☒ Financial education
☒ Financial coaching
☒ Banking services
☒ Training in money management
Newtown
Trellis
A New Leaf
NACA
☒ Individual Development
Accounts
☒ Matched Savings Accounts
Newtown
Trellis
A New Leaf
NACA
☒ Legal Services
☒ Legal Services
Community Legal Services
Friendly House
Catholic Charities
☒ Debt Resolution &
Credit Repair
☒ Assistance negotiating the resolution
of past-due debt
Newtown
Trellis
A New Leaf
VIII. Method of Identifying Family Support Needs and Delivering Appropriate
Support Services
A. Identifying Family Support Needs
To help determine the supportive services needs of each family, the FSS coordinator will work with
the family to complete an initial informal needs assessment for that family before completion of the
initial Individual Training Service Plan (ITSP) and signing of the contract of participation. After
enrollment in the FSS program, the FSS coordinator may make referrals to partner agencies for
completion of one or more formal needs assessments. These assessments may focus on such issues as:
employment readiness and employment training needs, educational needs related to secondary and
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post-secondary education, financial health, and other topics, depending on the needs and interests of
the family.
The formal assessments may lead to adjustments to the Individual Training Service Plan, if requested by
the family.
B. Delivering Appropriate Support Services
Coaching. All families who participate in the FSS program will be assigned an FSS coordinator who will
provide coaching services to help each participating family to:
•
Understand the benefits of participating in the FSS program and how the program can help the
family achieve its goals.
•
Identify achievable, but challenging interim and final goals for participation in the FSS program,
break down the goals into achievable steps and accompany the family through the process.
•
Identify existing family strengths and skills.
•
Understand the needs that the family has for services and supports that may help the family make
progress toward their goals.
•
Access services available in the community through referral to appropriate service providers.
•
Overcome obstacles in the way of achieving a family’s goals.
C. Transitional supportive service assistance.
Families that have completed their CoP and remain in assisted housing may request assistance with
referrals to service providers in order to continue their progress toward economic security. Subject to
limitations on staff capacity, the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division will try to help
these families with appropriate referrals. The time spent on these referrals will not be covered by funds
designated by HUD to support the FSS program.
IX. Contract of Participation
All families enrolled in the FSS program will be required to sign a Contract of Participation (CoP) that
includes an Individual Training and Services Plan (ITSP). This section describes the contents of the CoP
and the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division’s policies and practices regarding the
CoP.
A. Form and content of contract
The CoP, which will incorporate one ITSP for each participating member of the family, sets forth the
principal terms and conditions governing participation in the FSS program. These include the rights and
responsibilities of the FSS family and of the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division, the
services to be provided to, and the activities to be completed by, each adult member of the FSS family
who elects to participate in the program.
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B. ITSP goals
Each individual’s ITSP will establish specific interim and final goals by which the City of Chandler
Housing and Redevelopment Division and the family will measure the family’s progress towards
fulfilling its obligations under the CoP. For any FSS family that is a recipient of welfare assistance at the
outset of the CoP or that receives welfare assistance while in the FSS program, the City of Chandler
Housing and Redevelopment Division will establish as a final goal that every member of the family
become independent from welfare assistance before the expiration of the CoP. The ITSP of the head of
FSS family will also include as a final goal that they seek and maintain suitable employment. The FSS
coordinator will work with each participating individual to identify additional ITSP goals that are
relevant, feasible and desirable. Any such additional goals will be realistic and individualized.
C. Determination of suitable employment
As defined in the FSS regulations (24 CFR 984.303(4)(iii)), a determination of what constitutes “suitable
employment” for each family member with a goal of seeking and maintaining it will be made by the City
of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division, with the agreement of the affected participant, based
on the skills, education, job training and receipt of other benefits of the family member and based on the
available job opportunities within the community.
D. Contract of Participation term and extensions
The CoP will go into effect on the first day of the month following the execution of the CoP. The initial
term of the CoP will run the effective date through the five-year anniversary of the first reexamination of
income that follows the execution date. Families may request up to two one-year extensions and are
required to submit a written request that documents the need for the extension. The City of Chandler
Housing and Redevelopment Division will grant the extension if it finds that good cause exists to do so.
In this context, good cause means:
(i) Circumstances beyond the control of the FSS family, as determined by the City of Chandler
Housing and Redevelopment Division, such as a serious illness or involuntary loss of
employment;
(ii) Active pursuit of a current or additional goal that will result in furtherance of self-sufficiency
during the period of the extension (e.g. completion of a college degree during which the participant is
unemployed or under-employed, credit repair towards being homeownership ready, etc.) as
determined by the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division or
(ii)
Any other circumstances that the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division
determines warrants an extension.
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Family circumstances
Death in the family
Serious illness
Medical emergency
Mandatory court appearances
Involuntary loss of employment
Loss of head of household through death, incarceration, or removal from lease
Change in the ITSP improving progress toward economic self-sufficiency
Community circumstances
Significant reduction in workforce (over 20 percent reduction in employment
field)
Significant interruption in service delivery (over 3 months interruption)
Provider noncompliance with regulation
Provider unable/unwilling to provide service
Provider offering inferior service
E. Completion of the contract
The CoP is completed, and a family’s participation in the FSS program is concluded when the FSS family
has fulfilled all its obligations under the CoP, including all family members’ ITSPs, on or before the
expiration of the contract term. The family must provide appropriate documentation that each of the ITSP
goals has been completed. The City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division will accept the
following form of verification for completion of the ITSP goals:
The City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division will require a combination of self-
certification and third-party verification to document completion of ITSP goals.
F. Modification
The City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division] and the FSS family may mutually agree to
modify the CoP with respect to the ITSP and/or the contract term, and/or designation of the head of FSS
household. All modifications must be in writing and signed by the City of Chandler Housing and
Redevelopment Division as well as the Head of FSS Family.
The City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division will allow for modifications to the CoP
under the following circumstances:
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☒ When the modifications to the ITSP improve the participant’s ability to complete their obligations in
the CoP or progress toward economic self-sufficiency
☒ When the designated head of the FSS family ceases to reside with other family members in the assisted
unit, and the remaining family members, after consultation with the City of Chandler Housing and
Redevelopment Division], designate another family member to be the FSS head of family
☒ When a relocating family is entering the FSS program of a receiving PHA and the start date of the CoP
must be changed to reflect the date the new CoP is signed with the receiving PHA
The City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division will allow modifications at any time
during the term of the CoP
G. Consequences of noncompliance with the contract
Participant non-compliance with the CoP may result in termination from the FSS program. See policies
on Involuntary Termination in Section X(A).
X. Program Termination, Withholding of Services, and Available Grievance
Procedure
Program Termination
A. Involuntary Termination
The] City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division may involuntarily terminate a family from
FSS under the following circumstances:
I. If the participant fails to meet their obligations under the Contract of Participation, the
Individual Training and Services Plan and related documentation. Non-compliance includes:
i.
Missing scheduled meetings, failure to return phone calls, and/or maintain contact after
written notification of non-compliance
ii.
Failure to work on activities and/or goals set forth in the Individual Training and Services
Plan, including employment activities
iii.
Failure to complete activities and/or goals within the specified time frames; and/or
II. If the participant’s housing assistance has been terminated.
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Participants who fail to meet their obligations under paragraph I above, as determined by an FSS
coordinator, will be given the opportunity to attend a required meeting with the FSS Coordinator or
assigned City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division representative to review the situation.
At this meeting, a review of the Contract of Participation, Individual Training and Services Plan, and all
related documentation will be conducted, and amendments will be made as necessary (within HUD
guidelines) to allow for changes in circumstances. Failure to contact the FSS Coordinator to schedule this
meeting within fourteen (14) days of a written request by the FSS program to set up a meeting or failure
by the FSS Head of Household to attend this meeting without some type of correspondence to clarify the
issue(s), may lead to termination from the program. The FSS Coordinator will also attempt to contact the
participant via phone, and/or email prior to the review meeting. Participants who remain out of
compliance after this meeting will be subject to termination from the FSS program.
If the initial meeting does not resolve the problem, or if the meeting is not requested by the family within
the required period, notification of termination will be made to the family by letter stating:
1.
The specific facts and reasons for termination;
2.
A statement informing the family of their right to request an informal hearing and the
date by which this request must be received (see Grievance Procedures);
3.
A statement informing the family that termination from the FSS program for the reasons
stated therein will not result in termination of the family’s housing assistance. Failure to
request a hearing in writing by the deadline will result in closure of the family’s FSS file
and all rights to a hearing will be waived. All escrow money held on the family’s behalf
will be forfeited in accordance with HUD regulations. Housing assistance will not be
terminated based on non-compliance with the FSS program. The current amount of
escrow in the family’s escrow account will be included in the letter.
B. Voluntary Termination
Participants may also be terminated from the FSS program under the following circumstances:
•
Mutual consent of both parties; and/or
•
The family’s withdrawal from the program.
C. Termination with Escrow Disbursement
In most cases, families whose FSS contracts are terminated will not be entitled to disbursement of their
accrued FSS escrowed funds. However, the CoP will be terminated with FSS disbursement when one of
the following situations occurs:
(i) Services that the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division and the FSS family have
agreed are integral to the FSS family’s advancement towards self-sufficiency are unavailable.
(ii) The head of the FSS family becomes permanently disabled and unable to work during the period
of the contract, unless the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division and the FSS
family determine that it is possible to modify the contract to designate a new head of the FSS family.
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(iii) A FSS family in good standing moves outside the jurisdiction of the PHA (in accordance with
portability requirements at 24 CFR §982.353) for good cause, as determined by the PHA, and
continuation of the CoP after the move, or completion of the CoP prior to the move, is not possible.
D. Grievance Procedures
The City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division’s PHA Plan details the City of Chandler
Housing and Redevelopment Division’s Grievance Procedures (See PHA Policy section reference or
page number below).
PHA Policy
The grievance and informal hearing procedures for the FSS program will be the same as
the grievance and hearing procedures adopted for the public housing and housing choice
voucher programs in the PHA’s admissions and continued occupancy policy and
administrative plan, respectively. (In the Public Housing Admissions and Continued
Occupancy Policy, refer to Chapter 14-Grievances and Appeals. In the HCV Administrative
Plan, refer to Chapter 16-Program Administration, Part III Informal Reviews and
Hearings.)
XI. Assurance of Non-Interference
Participation in the FSS Program is voluntary. A family’s decision on whether to participate in FSS will
have no bearing on the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division’s decision of
whether to admit the family into the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division’s
Family Self-Sufficiency program. The family’s housing assistance will not be terminated based on
whether they decide to participate in FSS, their successful completion of the CoP, or on their failure to
comply with FSS program requirements.
The City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division will ensure that the voluntary nature of
FSS program participation is clearly stated in all FSS outreach and recruitment efforts.
XII. Timetable
The City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division implemented its FSS program since 1991
and will continue to implement it per this FSS Action Plan.
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XIII. Reasonable Accommodations, Effective Communications and Limited English
Proficiency Requirements
Requests for Reasonable Accommodations
A person with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to facilitate participation in the FSS
program. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Requests should be made initially to the FSS coordinator. If a family is not satisfied with the FSS
Coordinator’s response, the family may submit a request in writing in accordance with the agency’s
reasonable accommodations policy. The policy is available online at
http://affordablehousing/chandleraz.gov
PHA Policy:
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: Persons with a disability or those who require a
reasonable accommodation, modification, and auxiliary aids and services may submit a request at
any time. Requests may include (but are not limited to) documents in large print or Braille,
readers, sign language interpreters, or assistance explaining forms. Requests may be made to the
City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division by calling 480-782-3200 (*711 via
Arizona Relay Service, TTY English 800-367-8939 or Español 800-842-2088); faxing 480-782-
3220;
emailing chandler.housing@chandleraz.gov or housing.residents@chandleraz.gov; or mailin
g written a request to City of Chandler Hosing Housing and Redevelopment Division, Mail Stop
101, P.O. Box 4008, Chandler, AZ 85244-4008.
Request for Effective Communications
A person with disabilities may request the use of effective communication strategies in order to facilitate
participation in the FSS program. Examples include: appropriate auxiliary aids and services, such as
interpreters, computer-assisted real time transcription (CART), captioned videos with audible video
description, visual alarm devices, a talking thermostat, accessible electronic communications and
websites, documents in alternative formats (e.g., Braille, large print), or assistance in reading or
completing a form, etc.
Requests should be made initially to the FSS coordinator. If a family is not satisfied with the FSS
Coordinator’s response, the family may submit a request in writing in accordance with the agency’s
effective communications policy. The policy is available online at
http://affordablehousing/chandleraz.gov
Limited English Proficiency
The City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division will comply with HUD requirements to
conduct oral and written communication related to the FSS program in languages that are understandable
to people with Limited English Proficiency. For more information, see the Limited English Proficiency
policy available online at http://affordablehousing/chandleraz.gov
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PHA Policy:
Language Assistance: Persons with limited English proficiency are entitled to language
assistance with written or oral communication. These services are available at no cost. To obtain
language assistance, contact our office by calling 480-782-3200.
XIV. Coordination of Services
A. Certification of Coordination
Development of the services and activities under the FSS program has been coordinated with programs
under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 29 U.S.C. 3111 et seq., and other relevant
employment, childcare, transportation, training, education, and financial empowerment programs in the
area. Implementation will continue to be coordinated, in order to avoid duplication of services and
activities.
B. Program Coordinating Committee
The principal vehicle for ensuring ongoing coordination of services is the program coordinating
committee (PCC), which has been established in accordance with FSS regulations to assist in securing
commitments of public and private resources for the operation of the FSS Program. Among other
responsibilities, the PCC will help the FSS program to identify and build strong referral relationships with
providers of supportive services that meet the needs of FSS participants. The PCC will also be consulted
in developing program policies and procedures.
The PCC will meet quarterly and may conduct business on an as-needed basis via email or telephone
conferences. The PCC includes the following representatives:
1. One or more FSS Program Coordinators
2. One or more participants from each HUD rental assistance program served by the FSS program.
3. Representatives from a variety of agencies and individuals, which include but are not limited to
the following: The East Valley Alliance, ADES, MAXIMUS, NEWTOWN, TRELLIS, ASU
Family Resources, SRP Utilities, A New Leaf, Arizona @ Work, City of Phoenix Housing
Authority, Housing Authority of Maricopa County, Maricopa Integrated Health System,
and Habitat for Humanity.
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XV. FSS Portability (Applicable to HCV Only)
A. Portability in initial 12 months
FSS participants may not exercise portability within the initial 12 months after signing a CoP.
B. Moves into the PHA’s jurisdiction
If an FSS participant moves into the PHA’s jurisdiction, they will be admitted in good standing into the
City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division’s FSS program unless the City of Chandler
Housing and Redevelopment Division is already serving the number of FSS families identified in this
FSS Action Plan and determines that it does not have the resources to manage the FSS contract.
C. FSS termination with disbursement for porting families
If a FSS family seeks to move to a jurisdiction that does not offer an FSS program, the City of Chandler
Housing and Redevelopment Division will closely examine the family’s progress to determine if it would
be appropriate to exercise FSS Termination with Disbursement as discussed above in the section on
Termination.
Where continued FSS participation is not possible, City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment
Division will discuss the options that may be available to the family, depending on the family's specific
circumstances, which may include, but are not limited to, modification of the FSS contract, termination of
the FSS contract and forfeiture of escrow, termination with FSS escrow disbursement in accordance with
24 CFR § 984.303(k)(1)(iii), or locating a receiving PHA that has the capacity to enroll the family into its
FSS program.
XVI. Other Policies
Policy
Where Addressed in Plan
(i) Policies related to the modification of goals in
the ITSP;
Section IX Contract of Participation
(ii) The circumstances in which an extension of
the Contract of Participation may be granted
Section IX: Contract of Participation
(iii) Policies on the interim disbursement of
escrow, including limitations on the use of the
funds (if any)
Section VI: FSS Escrow Account and Other
Incentives for Participants
(iv) Policies regarding eligible uses of forfeited
escrow funds by families in good standing
Section VI: FSS Escrow Account and Other
Incentives for Participants
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(v) Policies regarding the re-enrollment of
previous FSS participants, including graduates
and those who exited the program without
graduating
Section IV. Family Selection Procedures
(vi) Policies on requirements for documentation
for goal completion;
Section IX: Contract of Participation
(vii) Policies on documentation of the household’s
designation of the “Head of FSS Household;
Section IV. Family Selection Procedures
(viii) Policies for providing an FSS selection
preference for porting families (if the PHA elects
to offer such a preference)
Section IV: Family Selection Procedures
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XVII. HOTMA
Impact of HOTMA on Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Programs
PHAs who operate FSS programs should note that families participating in the FSS program are subject
to all HOTMA interim reexamination regulations. PHAs cannot implement local policy to perform an
interim reexamination for increases in adjusted income below the 10% threshold for FSS participants.
Although families participating in FSS may experience fewer escrow increases under the HOTMA final
rule, the revised IR regulations may provide these families the opportunity to use their increased earnings
to realize other short or long-term goals outside of the scope of the FSS program.
The HOTMA interim reexamination regulations impact administration of the FSS
program in the following ways:
1. FSS participants are subject to all requirements of the HOTMA interim
reexamination regulations; and
2. At enrollment, PHAs may not perform an interim reexamination of annual income
unless the family experienced a change in adjusted annual income that meets the
threshold to perform an interim reexamination under the HOTMA final rule.
3. Families for whom their reexamination of income does not occur until their
regularly scheduled annual reexamination will not have the opportunity to begin
escrowing their increased earnings until that time and may have fewer escrow
increases over the life of the 5-year contract.
HOTMA Resources
HOTMA Resources Page (Public Housing and HCV):
HOTMA Resources / HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD)
HUD Exchange (Public Housing and HCV only):
Materials Posted: HOTMA Income and Assets Training Series – HUD Exchange
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XVIII. Definitions
The definitions below are specified in CFR 24 984.103. The terms 1937 Act, Fair Market Rent,
Head of Household, HUD, Public Housing, Public Housing Agency (PHA), Secretary, and Section 8,
as used in this part, are defined in 24 CFR Part 5.
Certification means a written assertion based on supporting evidence, provided by the FSS family or the
City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division, as may be required under this part, and which:
(1) Shall be maintained by the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division in the
case of the family’s certification, or by HUD in the case of the PHA’s or owner’s certification;
(2) Shall be made available for inspection by HUD, the City of Chandler Housing and
Redevelopment Division, and the public, as appropriate; and,
(3) Shall be deemed to be accurate for purposes of this part, unless the Secretary or the City of
Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division, as applicable, determines otherwise after
inspecting the evidence and providing due notice and opportunity for comment.
Contract of Participation (CoP) means - a contract, in a form with contents approved by HUD, entered
into between an FSS family and a City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division operating an
FSS Program that sets forth the terms and conditions governing participation in the FSS Program. The
CoP includes all Individual Training and Services Plans (ITSPs) entered into between the City of
Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division and all members of the family who will participate in
the FSS Program, and which plans are attached to the CoP as exhibits. For additional detail, see §
984.303.
Effective date of Contract of Participation (CoP) - means the first day of the month following the date in
which the FSS family and the PHA entered into the CoP.
Eligible families means current residents of Public Housing (Section 9) and current Section 8 program
participants, as defined in this section, including those participating in other local self-sufficiency
programs.
Enrollment means the date that the FSS family entered into the CoP with the City of Chandler Housing
and Redevelopment Division.
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program means the program established by a PHA within its jurisdiction or
by an owner to promote self-sufficiency among participating families, including the coordination of
supportive services to these families, as authorized by section 23 of the 1937 Act.
FSS escrow account (or, escrow) means the FSS escrow account authorized by section 23 of the 1937
Act, and as provided by § 984.305.
FSS escrow credit means the amount credited by the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment
Division to the FSS family’s FSS escrow account.
FSS family means a family that resides in Public Housing (Section 9) or receives Section 8 assistance or
receives HUD Project-Based Rental Assistance for a privately owned property, and that elects to
participate in the FSS Program, and whose designated adult member (head of FSS family), as determined
in accordance with § 984.303(a), has signed the CoP.
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FSS family in good standing means, for purposes of this part, an FSS family that is in compliance with
their FSS CoP; has either satisfied or are current on any debts owed the City of Chandler Housing and
Redevelopment Division; and is in compliance with the regulations regarding participation in the relevant
rental assistance program.
FSS related service program means any program, publicly or privately sponsored, that offers the kinds of
supportive services described in the definition of ‘‘supportive services’’ set forth in this § 984.103.
FSS slots - refers to the total number of families (as determined in the Action Plan and, for mandatory
programs, in § 984.105 of this part) that the PHA will serve in its FSS Program.
FSS Program Coordinator means the person(s) who runs the FSS program. This may include (but is not
limited to) performing outreach, recruitment, and retention of FSS participants; goal setting and case
management/coaching of FSS participants; working with the community and service partners; and
tracking program performance.
FY means Federal Fiscal Year (starting October 1 and ending September 30, and year designated by the
calendar year in which it ends).
Head of FSS family means the designated adult family member of the FSS family who has signed the
CoP. The head of FSS family may, but is not required to be, the head of the household for purposes of
determining income eligibility and rent.
Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) is a Provision/Regulation/PIH 202-27 for the
Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs. On July 29, 2016, HOTMA was signed into law.
HOTMA makes numerous amendments to Sections 3, 8, and 16 of the United States Housing Act of
1937(1937 Act), including significant changes to income calculation, net family assets, and income
reviews.
Individual Training and Services Plan (ITSP) means a written plan that is prepared by the City of
Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division in consultation with a participating FSS family member
(the person with, for, and whom the ITSP is being developed), and which sets forth:
(1) The final and interim goals for the participating FSS family member;
(2) The supportive services to be provided to the participating FSS family members;
(3) The activities to be completed by that family member; and,
(4) The agreed upon completion dates for the goals and activities.
Each ITSP must be signed by the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division and the
participating FSS family member, and is attached to, and incorporated as part of the CoP. An ITSP must
be prepared for each adult family member who elects to participate in the FSS Program, including the
head of FSS family who has signed the CoP.
Owner means the owner of multifamily assisted housing.
Self-sufficiency means that an FSS family is no longer receiving Section 8, Public Housing assistance, or
any Federal, State, or local rent or homeownership subsidies or welfare assistance. Achievement of self-
sufficiency, although an FSS program objective, is not a condition for receipt of the FSS escrow account
funds.
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Supportive services mean those appropriate services that a City of Chandler Housing and
Redevelopment Division will coordinate on behalf of an FSS family under a CoP, which may include, but
are not limited to:
(1) Childcare—childcare (on an as-needed or ongoing basis) of a type that provides sufficient
hours of operation and serves an appropriate range of ages;
(2) Transportation—transportation necessary to enable a participating FSS family member to
receive available services, or to commute to their place(s) of employment;
(3) Education—remedial education; education for completion of high school or attainment of a
high school equivalency certificate; education in pursuit of a post-secondary degree or certificate;
(4) Employment Supports—job training, preparation, and counseling; job development and
placement; and follow-up assistance after job placement and completion of the CoP;
(5) Personal welfare—substance/alcohol abuse treatment and counseling, and health, dental,
mental health and health insurance services;
(6) Household management—training in household management;
(7) Homeownership and housing counseling— homeownership education and assistance and
housing counseling;
(8) Financial Empowerment—training in financial literacy, such as financial coaching, training in
financial management, asset building, and money management, including engaging in
mainstream banking, reviewing and improving credit scores, etc.;
(9) Other services—any other services and resources, including case management, optional
services, and specialized services for individuals with disabilities, that are determined to be
appropriate in assisting FSS families to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency.
Reasonable accommodations and modifications must be made for individuals with disabilities
consistent with HUD requirements, including HUD’s legal obligation to make reasonable
modifications under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Welfare assistance means (for purposes of the FSS program only) income assistance from Federal, (i.e.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or subsequent program) State, or local welfare
programs and includes only cash maintenance payments designed to meet a family’s ongoing basic needs.
Welfare assistance does not include:
(1) Nonrecurrent, short-term benefits that:
(i) Are designed to deal with a specific crisis or episode of need;
(ii) Are not intended to meet recurrent or ongoing needs; and,
(iii) Will not extend beyond four months.
(2) Work subsidies (i.e., payments to employers or third parties to help cover the costs of
employee wages, benefits, supervision, and training);
(3) Supportive services such as childcare and transportation provided to families who are
employed;
(4) Refundable earned income tax credits;
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(5) Contributions to, and distributions from, Individual Development Accounts under Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF);
(6) Services such as counseling, case management, peer support, childcare information and
referral, financial empowerment, transitional services, job retention, job advancement, and other
employment-related services that do not provide basic income support;
(7) Amounts solely directed to meeting housing expenses;
(8) Amounts for health care;
(9) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and emergency rental and utilities assistance;
(10) Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Income, or Social Security; and
(11) Child-only or non-needy TANF grants made to or on behalf of a dependent child solely on
the basis of the child’s need and not on the need of the child’s current non-parental caretaker.