Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can. -Arthur Ashe

The Family Self-Sufficiency program (FSS) is Currently Accepting Applications              

 Call Today to get more information: 250-388-5251

The Family Self Sufficiency program (FSS) is an innovative and comprehensive three-year financial literacy program for low income families*.

Through financial literacy skill building, goal setting, and action planning, families are able to strengthen their capacity to provide a more stable and healthy way of life for themselves and their children. With the help of bi-weekly meetings with their Family Advisor, participants set life and financial goals to improve budgeting, create savings, reduce debt, increase employability or education, improve health and wellness, and strengthen positive relationships with their children and others.

Action plans are developed to help participants track their progress and adjust as needed. Participants benefit from one-on-one coaching as well as group workshops on a range of financial topics such as understanding credit (good debt vs. bad debt), exploring habits and attitudes around money, and self-identified topics such as small business start-up.

FSS also offers Escrow savings provided by BCH and CRHC to people who are eligible.

Escrow may be available to those participants who are receiving housing subsidy whose household income has increased (with the exception of those whose rents are paid by income assistance). As a participant’s rent increases due to an increase in household income, so does their rent. The difference between the new rent and the original rent is set aside each month (with pre-set maximums). Escrow savings can be accessed once a participant has successfully completed the program.

*To be eligible for the Family Self-Sufficiency program, a family must:

  • Live with at least one dependent child

And

  • Receive a housing subsidy while living in a subsidized housing complex
    • While in good standing with that housing provider

Have a gross household income that falls under:

  • $65,000 if living in a 2-bedroom unit
  • $82,000 if living in a 3-bedroom unit
  • $95,500 if living in a 4-bedroom unit

Or

  • If not receiving a rental subsidy, must have a gross household income that falls under:
    • $65,000 = parent/s + one child
    • $82,000 = parent/s + 2 children
    • $95,500 = parent/s + 3 or more children

Priority is given to those families living in a subsidized housing complex, as well as those receiving a provincial rental subsidy (RAP).

The Family Self-Sufficiency program supports families as they:

  • Increase financial capacity
  • Build financial knowledge
  • Increase employability
  • Increase self-reliance
  • Develop links to their communities

The Family Self Sufficiency program offers:

  • Family Advisor to work with each participant family throughout their time in the program
  • Goals and action plans co-developed by participants and advisors
  • Financial Education and community building meetings
  • Financial exploration and budgeting during one on one sessions
  • Networking and community connections

Participants’ commitment includes:

  • Motivation to transform your hopes and dreams into a sustainable reality
  • Participation for duration of program (up to three years)
  • Readiness to work with a Family Advisor with open transparency
  • Attendance and participation in FSS financial workshops
  • Willingness to explore financial issues and create monthly budgets
  • Willingness to reduce debt and increase savings
  • Participation in regular meetings and workshops

To hear first-hand accounts of how the FSS program has impacted people’s lives, please read participant stories through the Journeys booklets. Or watch the following video that is generously shared by Meghan, a member of the FSS participant group

FSS Application Form Phase VIII Application Download PDF
Journeys to Self Sufficiency Phase VII Download PDF
Journeys to Self Sufficiency Phase VI Download PDF
Journeys to Self Sufficiency Phase V Download PDF
Journeys to Self Sufficiency Phase IV Download PDF
Journeys to Self Sufficiency Phase III Download PDF
Journeys to Self Sufficiency Phase II Download PDF
Journeys to Self Sufficiency Pilot Download PDF