Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) is proud to announce the graduation of three — one (1) RRHA public housing resident and two (2) RRHA voucher holders — from RRHA’s Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program. As a part of RRHA’s FSS Program, these graduates receive monies earned while enrolled in the program that are placed in escrow until successful completion of the Program. The total amount of escrow disbursed to 2024 and 2025 graduates is $29,549.94. These three will be honored in a private graduation luncheon ceremony for family and friends on January 8, 2026.
We are extremely proud of these FSS graduates! They are an example to their peers, demonstrating what is possible when opportunity meets commitment. Through hard work, resilience, and determination they have shown the power of believing in their own future.
Steven B. Nesmith, RRHA CEO
The FSS Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and was established in 1990 as part of the National Affordable Housing Act. Administered by RRHA, the FSS Program is voluntary for families to participate and is designed to empower families who either live in public housing or receive Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) assistance by providing a platform to become self-sufficient. Participants enter a five-year contract, requiring the head of household to obtain employment and all family members to be free of cash welfare assistance 12 months prior to program graduation.
Families enrolled in this program are supported at each level of their growth and development to financial independence. After enrolling, participants meet one-on-one with a program coordinator and get connected with the specific prerequisites they need for advancement. This may include job skills training, financial management education, or other supportive services that are necessary for their progression. Additionally, an interest-bearing account is established for them that they receive when they graduate from the program.
By setting ambitious goals, staying the course, these FSS participants have achieved milestones that uplift not only their individual households, but the entire RRHA community.
Corey Franklin, Senior Vice President of Affordable Housing, RRHA
Since 2019, a total of 34 persons have graduated from RRHA’s FSS Program. Currently RRHA has 75 families participating in the FSS Program.
For questions concerning the FSS program contact RRHA’s Family Self Sufficiency Coordinators Marcella Tazewell at mtazewell@rrha.com or Chelsea Snow csnow@rrha.com. For general inquiries about RRHA programs and activities, contact RRHA’s Customer Call Center at (804) 780-4200 or toll free at 1-833-750-7742 (RRHA).