Family Investment Center

The Kings County Housing Authority operates a computer learning center in Sunnyside Village. Sunnyside Village, Sycamore Court, Valley View Village residents, and Family Self-Sufficiency families are welcome to use the computers and take classes at no charge.

• Learn computer skills and become more employable
• Educational games are available for young children
• Do research for school assignments
• Prepare resumes
• Get Community Service credit
• Have fun!

Family Self-Sufficiency Program

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a program designed to help Section 8 participants become independent of public assistance. A custom-tailored Individual Service Plan is created for each participant with the goal of achieving self-sufficiency within five years.

Benefits of FSS:

• The Family Services Coordinator helps the families identify obstacles to success such as lack of education, job training, transportation, and child care.

• With the support of local agencies, FSS participants receive education, job training, job search assistance, and assistance with developing job skills.

• Interest-bearing savings accounts are established for families who succeed in finding employment. As the earned income and rents for these families increase, money is deposited by the Housing Authority into the accounts. Upon successful completion of the program, the family receives all of the money, which may total several thousand dollars!

• As families become self-sufficient, housing subsidies become available for other families in need.

• FSS participants who become tax paying citizens reduce the tax burdens on society.

Resident Involvement

Public Housing residents are encouraged to contribute to the planning and decision making processes in order to make their neighborhoods better places to live. Residents may become involved in the following ways:

• Resident Council - Examples of resident council activities include coordinating neighborhood watch activities, sponsoring youth sports, and communicating with Housing Authority management about tenants' issues and concerns.

• Resident Advisory Board - This board establishes the long range goals of the agency and determines the policies and methods that will be used to achieve the goals. The Resident Advisory Board formulates the Housing Authority's Five Year and Annual Plans.

• Board of Commissioners - The Kings County Board of Supervisors, along with two resident representatives, sit as the agency's Board of Commissioners. The Board reviews the operations of the agency, sets policies, and sits as a personnel appeals committee.

• Public Meetings - Public meetings are periodically held to get resident feedback on proposed policies and planned physical improvements within the developments.