Supportive Services
In order to address the unique needs of its residents, CHOICE and the Chelmsford Housing Authority offers services individualized to each resident’s needs. The Chelmsford Housing Authority will provide a framework for organizing individualized service plans and ongoing support to implement, adjust and augment said plans as necessary.
Create Individualized Resident Goals
- Maintain residency at the Chelmsford Housing Authority to maximize independence and allow each resident to age in place.
- Accept services from the assigned provider. Services are designed and arranged based on resident’s individual need.
- Adhere to medical and or psychosocial treatment plans and address ongoing and emerging health conditions.
- Access any and all prevention and treatment modalities available through the Chelmsford Housing Authority that will assist each resident in remaining independent in their home.
- Build skills in areas of interest.
In House Services Provided
- Case management collaboratively through the Resident Service Coordinator and Service Provider.
- Visiting Nurses, home health care and homemaking services.
- Services of interest as requested by the residents.
- Create a sense of community that recognizes and integrates the needs of the residents.
- Create options for residents that will maximize their quality of life.
- Solicit opportunities and forge strategic partnerships that will enhance both the physical and psychosocial needs of each resident of the Chelmsford Housing Authority.
- SUMMIT PACE supportive housing site for those that participate in the PACE program.
Resident Expectations
- Remain current with rent payments.
- Each resident shall familiarize and avail themselves of the services provided at each site.
- Residents must work with the provider’s, Resident Service Coordinator and CHOICE to help ensure all needs are met.
- Residents will work with the Resident Council and make suggestions on additions, enhancements and improvements to both new and existing programs.
Contact Details
MLeighton@chelmsfordha.com Phone: 978-251-0590
Family Self Sufficiency
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program was designed to promote economic self-sufficiency among participating families. The program is voluntary and open to all families on Section 8 with the Chelmsford Housing Authority.
FSS is designed to assist participants in planning for their future by mapping out goals for the next five years and the steps needed to achieve these goals. The program is free and funded by HUD.
How FSS Works
The head-of-household, or any adult member of the household enters into a five-year contract which contains a service plan for all adult members of the household. The service plan includes a series of goals leading to suitable employment for the head-of-household and independence from government assistance for the entire family. A baseline rent is established and an escrow savings account set up.
When there is an increase in rent due to an increase in earned income, or becoming employed, the housing authority places a portion of the increase in an escrow account every month. Please note: the money put into the escrow account is funded by HUD.
Upon successful completion of the FSS contract period (5 years), the head-of-household receives the escrow money and any interest earned on it. The family may decide to spend that money in any way it chooses, however the family is encouraged to use it as a down-payment on a house or invest it wisely.
FSS Services
- Employment counseling
- Childcare
- Transportation
- Job Training
- Budget planning
- Counseling
Benefits of the FSS Program
- Access to resources only available to FSS participants
- A plan for your future that you help design
- As your earnings increase, your rent increases and an escrow savings account is set up on your behalf. At the end of your contract, if you have reached your goals, all the funds in your account are handed over to you. This has enabled many clients to put down-payments on their own homes.
- The FSS Coordinator is available to talk with and help you make decisions.
- A no-interest loan program if you need emergency financial assistance in reaching your goals.