Jefferson Parish Housing Services Development District

200 Derbigny Street, Suite 5500 - Gretna, LA 70053 - 504.227.1455 - www.jphsdd.org

May 2022 "Connecting quality people to quality homes"

WANT TO OWN YOUR OWN HOME?

FSS program is available to Jefferson Parish

voucher participants

Buying a home has been a symbol of the American dream. But for far too many, that dream has remained out of reach.

"I don't have enough for a down payment."

"I don't know anything about buying a home."

"I don't make enough money."

The JPHSDD is turning the dream of homeownership into an achievable goal with the Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS). The FSS is a 5-year program that encourages residents to improve their employment, economic, and educational opportunities. The purpose of the program is to help participating FSS family members learn the skills and obtain the experience necessary for them to secure employment that pays a living wage.

"We've had a tremendous amount of success with this program helping working-class families in Louisiana," said JPHSDD Executive Director Dorian Rawles. "We need to give families every opportunity to provide the best possible life for themselves and their families. This program can convert your rental voucher into a down payment for your own home."

To participate in the FSS Program, one must meet the following criteria:

Be on the Housing Choice Voucher Program
Be 18 years of age or older.
Be motivated to become financially independent.

Participation in the FSS program is voluntary. The program is beneficial to residents who are serious about increasing the financial stability of their family.

During the 5-year period of the contract, any increase in earned income is credited to an interest-bearing escrow account established by the JPHSDD.

The FSS program is designed to reward residents who have achieved their targeted goals and have improved their financial status. For information on the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, contact: Simeon Dickerson at (504) 227-1455.

Prepare for a hurricane, the season starts now

The National Weather Service predicted a higher than average hurricane season this year with a possibility of 14 or more named storms. If you live in public housing or have a housing choice voucher, please think about your hurricane plan now.

First and foremost, please make sure that your contact information is up to date with the JPHSDD office. In case of an evacuation or severe damage, the administrative office will be able to give you instructions about your home and return date.

If a Hurricane is evident:

Check your disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed.
Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).
Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters.
Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
Unplug small appliances.
Fill your car’s gas tank.
Talk with members of your household and create an evacuation plan. Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.
Learn about your community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for your pets to be cared for.
Evacuate if advised by authorities. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
Check the JPHSDD website for updates

In case of shelter in place

Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
Flashlight
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
Extra batteries
First aid kit
Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
Sanitation and personal hygiene items
Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
Cell phone with chargers
Family and emergency contact information
Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
Extra set of car keys and house keys
Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
Rain gear
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Camera for photos of damage

Beginning June 1, 2022. Landlords will ONLY receive their rent payments via direct deposit.

If you haven't already, please fill out the “Authorization for Direct Deposit” form and return to the housing authority. The form, along with a blank check or direct deposit form, must be filled out in its entirety and submitted to:

Housing Authority of Jefferson Parish

Housing Choice Voucher Program

1347 Westbank Expressway, Suite D

Westwego, LA 70094

If you do not fill out a direct deposit form, you will receive your utility allowance on a prepaid card provided by JPHSDD.

If you have any questions about this requirement, you may contact us directly at 504-227-1455 or via email at info@jphsdd.org.

Resident Survey

Landlord Survey