City of Oswego Awarded $73,332 Grant to Support Family Self-Sufficiency Program 

OSWEGO – The City of Oswego has been awarded $73,332 in federal grant funding to fully support its Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, a proven initiative that helps low-income families build skills, increase income, and achieve long-term economic independence.

The grant, administered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), fully funds one full-time FSS Coordinator, covering salary, fringe benefits, training, and travel. This award eliminates the need for local taxpayer funding for the position while ensuring continued, dedicated support for participating families. 

The FSS Program serves households currently receiving Section 8 Rental Assistance and is designed to connect families with a wide range of community-based services that promote self-sufficiency. Through individualized goal setting and coordinated support, participants work toward sustainable employment that provides a living wage and reduces reliance on government assistance. 

Each participating family enters into a Contract of Participation with the City of Oswego and develops an Individual Training and Service Plan that outlines career, education, and financial goals. Families may remain in the program for up to seven years, with flexibility to adjust goals as life circumstances change. 

A key incentive of the program is the FSS escrow savings account, which allows families to accumulate savings as their earned income increases. Funds are held and managed by the City of Oswego Chamberlain’s Office and are made available to families upon successful program completion or to support approved goals. 

In 2025, three families graduated from the program, collectively earning $58,135 in escrow savings—well above the national average disbursement of $10,803. Two of those families went on to purchase their first homes, while another used the funds to significantly reduce student loan debt. 

Currently, 50 families are actively enrolled in the program, with plans under way to expand participation to as many as 75 households, the HUD standard for a full-time coordinator. When the current coordinator began, enrollment stood at just 20 families and grant funding was at risk. Growth and strong performance have helped secure continued funding. 

The FSS Coordinator works closely with local service providers through a Program Coordinating Committee to ensure families have access to education, job training, employment services, budgeting and credit repair, childcare, transportation assistance, healthcare, substance abuse services, food resources, and pathways to homeownership. The city continues to expand partnerships to meet emerging needs. 

The City of Oswego was included in the first round of grant awards, reflecting timely submission, compliance with HUD requirements, and successful program outcomes. The coordinator has also earned HUD-recognized Service Coordination Certification and helped establish the first Regional New York State FSS Coalition, strengthening collaboration, program development, and shared best practices across communities. 

City officials view the FSS Program as a strong investment in families, workforce development, and long-term community stability. 

For more information about the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, residents are encouraged to visit www.oswegony.gov or contact the City of Oswego Housing Program. 

### 

Print this entry