What We Do

1. You must be on our current rental assistance program in either Pope, Yell or Franklin Counties. HCV (Housing Choice Voucher)
2. The only requirement is a desire to become self-sufficient.

> You will fill out a short enrollment packet
> Develop your short and long-term goals for a five-year plan (don’t worry these can be reworked later (if needed!)
> Sign a Contract of Participation with your goals attached
> Be willing to meet with the FSS Coordinator periodically to discuss progress
> Complete all goals to be eligible to graduate from the FSS Program and receive your escrow

- After signing up for the program, once your earned income goes up, resulting in a rent increase with your rental assistance voucher, then the escrow is calculated, and a portion of your rent increase is deposited monthly into an interest-bearing escrow account that UHDC manages.
- FSS participants must complete all goals written in the Contract of Participation to graduate from the program and receive escrow funds.
- After graduation, your escrow savings is yours!
- Many families have used their escrow savings to put towards building their first home through UHDC’s Self-Help Program!

To graduate from the FSS Program and receive any funds in the escrow account, the FSS Head of Household must:

-Complete the contract goals within five years (you can graduate sooner, and a 2-year extension will also be considered if needed)
-Achieve and maintain suitable employment
-Certify that no household member is on TANF cash assistance
-Certify that all household members are in good standing with UHDC

A family that has not met its responsibilities within the times specified in their FSS contract or has been terminated from the FSS or HCV Program, will not receive any funds in the escrow account.