Our Flagship Program

The Family
Self-Sufficiency
(FSS) Program

The FSS program is the nation’s largest asset-building program for families with low incomes.

FSS is operated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and made available to families living in HUD-assisted housing.

Our asset-building model for FSS combines the program’s powerful savings incentive with client-centered coaching to help residents achieve financial stability.

Compass is the first nonprofit organization in the country to leverage FSS in this way.

How it works:

An eligible familyliving in HUD-assisted housing enrolls in FSS

Step 1

The family increases their income and pays a proportional increase in rent – like all HUD-assisted households. But, the increase in rent goes into a savings account instead

Step 2

As the family’s savings grow, they work toward their goals with the support of a financial coach

Step 3

See the results

Families complete the program with $8,500 in savings, on average. They also increase their earned income and credit scores, reduce their debt, and more.

Partners

Compass partners with these public housing agencies and private owners of affordable housing to operate our model for the FSS program:

Are you interested in joining a Compass FSS program?

Program Partners

Boston Housing Authority

Cambridge Housing Authority

Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation

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You are likely eligible for the Compass FSS program if:

You receive financial assistance for housing, such as a Section 8 voucher, mobile housing voucher, or if your rent is based on your income

Or if your housing is provided by one of our housing partners

If you do not get your housing assistance from one of our partners, we encourage you to contact your housing provider to find out if they offer the FSS program and how to join.

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program

Partners

Are you interested in joining a Compass FSS program?

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The Family
Self-Sufficiency
(FSS) Program