Resident Programs

Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program

The Greensboro Housing Authority administers over 3,300 Housing Choice Vouchers which help very-low income households afford private market rental housing that is decent, safe and sanitary.  GHA administers programs targeting special populations in addition to providing services that will enhance quality of life and assist in achieving economic independence and self-sufficiency such as:

• Non-elderly disabled individuals

• Shelter Plus Care Programs – Program for Disabled Homeless Individuals

• Supportive Housing – Housing for Chronically Homeless Individuals and their Families

• Housing Opportunities for Persons Living with AIDS

• Family Unification Program – Program providing housing to individuals who have lost or face eminent loss of their children due to lack of  proper housing and youth ageing out of foster care

• Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program  -  Program that help families achieve self-sufficiency over a five or seven-year period by linking with a variety of  services that will enable them to achieve the goals they have set for themselves  

• Tenant-Based Rental Assistance – program funded through the City of Greensboro to provide rental subsidy to families attain self-sufficiency

Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS)  

FSS is a voluntary program available for both Public Housing and HCV Program participants to improve their economic situation and reduce their dependence on public assistance.

How does the FSS Program work?

The participating family member who is 18 years or older, and who is on the lease, will enter into Contract of participation (COP) with Greensboro Housing Authority (GHA). This family member will begin working with an FSS Case Manager. The contract is a 5-year agreement that identifies the participating family members goals. The FSS Case Manager and the family member plan the services that are required to help the family meet its goals and the parties work closely together over the term of the contract to ensure the family’s success. At the end of the 5-year period (or the extended term of the contract), all family members must become free of welfare and the head of the household must maintain suitable employment. The family must comply with the lease, voucher, and FSS program requirements.

Services Available - GHA has established relationships with social service agencies, schools, businesses and other local partners to develop a comprehensive program that gives participating FSS family members the skills and experience to enable them to achieve their goal and provides referrals that are based upon the family’s needs. The services and referrals available include, but are not limited to:

• GED programs
• Literacy and Remedial Education
• College Degree Programs
• Job Training, preparation and placement
• Treatment and counseling for substance abuse
• Credit and Budget Counseling
• Developing a Pathway Towards Homeownership

The Escrow (Savings) Account:

As FSS Program participants earn higher wages and move toward achieving the goal of earning a living wage, their rent share will increase according to program regulations. However, FSS program participants are rewarded each time their rent share increases because GHA deposits and amount that is equal to the participant’s increase in rent share each month into an Escrow Account. For an example, if the participant’s rent share increases by $50 a month, GHA will deposit $50 each month into an Escrow Account. The account earns interest and it is the property of the participant provided the participant abides by lease, voucher, and FSS program rules. The funds can be used to assist the participant in achieving interim goals and are paid out in full when the participant graduates.

• Who To Contact: For more information about the Family Self Sufficiency Program, contact (336) 303-3009 

Homeownership/Housing Counseling/Financial Fitness

GHA is a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency that provides homeownership programs for public housing residents and HCVP participants. The program provides education and training in budgeting and credit repair, connects clients to quality lenders and real estate agents, and exposes them to available housing opportunities

• Who To Contact: For more information about homeownership/housing counseling, contact the Homeownership Coordinator (336) 303-3059