Housing Authority of Bowling Green
Family
Self-Sufficiency
Program

The FSS Program is designed to assist families with achieving self-sufficiency through housing assistance, case management, and supportive services. Our coordinator serves 50 families, helping them with employment, education, money management, and homeownership.

Katie Banks Program Contact
Katie Banks
FSS Coordinator
📞(270) 467-7156 ✉kbanks@habg.org 📍247 Double Springs Rd
     EnVision Center
50Families Served
5-YearContract Term
$0Cost to Participate
EscrowSavings Built In
About the Program
What is the FSS Program?

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program helps public housing residents take control of their lives by becoming independent and productive members of the community. Through one-on-one coordination, participants set goals and receive the support they need to reach them.

Whether you need help finding a job, repairing your credit, managing your budget, or working toward homeownership — the FSS coordinator is here to walk that path with you.

Participants who gain employment also benefit from an FSS Escrow Account — a savings account built automatically from your rent increase as your income grows.

Services Available
Do you need help with any of the following?
  • Job Counseling
  • Resume Writing
  • ESL / English Classes
  • Reading & Math
  • Child Care
  • Computer Classes
  • Budgeting Help
  • Clothing
  • Credit Counseling
  • Credit Repair
  • Establishing Savings
  • Homeownership
  • Gaining Citizenship
  • Higher Ed Enrollment
How It Works
Three Areas of Focus
Employment
Get help with job searches, resume writing, mock interviews, and job applications. Life skills training prepares you to enter or advance in the workforce. Participants who find work begin building their FSS Escrow Account automatically.
Money Management
Get a free credit report, work on credit repair, set up a budget, and learn to manage your finances. Once your credit improves, you may qualify for homeownership. The coordinator walks you through every step.
Homeownership
Homeownership is a core goal of the FSS program. Through credit building, savings via your escrow account, and guidance from the FSS coordinator, owning a home becomes a real and achievable milestone.
Built-In Savings
FSS Escrow Accounts

When you participate in the FSS program and your income increases — through a raise, a new job, or other employment gains — your rent increases too. Instead of that extra rent going into regular Housing Authority funds, it goes into your personal FSS Escrow Account.

Think of it as a forced savings account that grows automatically every time your income grows. At the end of your FSS contract, that money is yours to use.

How It Calculates — Example
Your original rent$50 / month
Rent after income increase$250 / month
Amount saved in escrow$200 / month
At contract completion, use your escrow for:
🎓
College Tuition
Invest in education and career advancement
💼
Starting a Small Business
Launch your own business with startup funds
🏠
Down Payment on a Home
Take the biggest step toward homeownership
Financial Literacy
6 Steps to Budgeting

Budgeting is one of the most important parts of becoming self-sufficient. The FSS coordinator works with you to build a budget that fits your life and helps you reach your goals.

Following these six steps can help you take control of your finances, reduce stress, and start building real wealth over time.

1
Determine Your Net Income
Use your take-home pay — what actually hits your bank account — not your gross salary.
2
List Your Bills
Rent, utilities, insurance, car payment — write down every fixed expense you have each month.
3
Keep Your Receipts
Document your spending so you know exactly where your money is going.
4
Set an Allowance for Yourself
Give yourself a set amount for fun money each month — and stick to it.
5
Set Goals for Your Money
Think about savings accounts, emergency funds, credit repair, and long-term goals.
6
Evaluate Quarterly Progress
Check in every three months to see how you're doing and celebrate your growth.
Full Range of Support
What the FSS Program Provides

Employment Support

  • Employment counseling
  • Education counseling
  • Job training
  • Resume writing
  • Mock interviews
  • Job application help

Financial Services

  • Free credit report
  • Credit repair assistance
  • Budget setup
  • Financial literacy
  • Establishing savings
  • FSS Escrow Account

Life & Community

  • Computer classes
  • ESL / reading / math
  • Child care assistance
  • Citizenship counseling
  • Higher ed enrollment
  • Homeownership guidance

Ready to Get Started?

Contact our FSS Coordinator today to learn how the program can work for you.

Katie Banks
Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator
(270) 467-7156 kbanks@habg.org