Carroll County Housing and Community Connections asked the Board of Commissioners on Oct. 23 to approve submission of the fiscal-year 2025 Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) grant and accept the award if renewed. County staff said the FSS program — known locally as Thrive — helps Housing Choice Voucher participants set individual goals, access training and education, and increase earned income with the aim of reducing long-term reliance on rental subsidies.

Division manager Danielle Yates and housing manager Paul Moffitt described the program and its community partnerships, including workforce development, the health department, United Way, Carroll Community College and the Carroll County Youth Service Bureau. "Historically, 80 to 85 percent of the participants of the FSS program will attend college or some sort of vocational training," Yates said.

Staff said Carroll County applied under HUD's Notice of Funding Availability and expected an award of approximately $111,194.05 — an increase over the prior year's $108,482 — that would support the FSS coordinator position. Paul Moffitt offered an impact statement from a recent graduate and the staff said the program remains voluntary for voucher households.

A commissioner moved to approve submission and accept the award; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

If awarded, the grant would continue funding for the county's FSS coordinator and related program activities; staff said the program relies on partnerships to link participants to education, employment services and other supports to help families move toward self-sufficiency.