As part of our current strategic plan, Compass has been focused on expanding the evidence base for the impact of our model for the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program on participating families. Two reports released recently by our evaluation partners at Abt Associates found that over the course of their time in the program, Compass FSS participants earn more money and receive less public assistance than their matched peers. What’s more, the study found that Compass FSS programs are highly cost-effective, producing over a 2:1 return on investment.
The report is based on programs that we have run in partnership with Cambridge Housing Authority, MA Department of Housing and Community Development, Metro Housing|Boston, and Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development.
Highlights of the reports demonstrate that Compass FSS participants had:
Annual household earnings that were $4,997 (21%) higher than the comparison group just 1.5 years after enrollment
Annual household earnings that were $6,032 (23%) higher than the comparison group 3.2 years after enrollment
Annual public assistance income that was $249 (39%) lower than the comparison group.
These outcomes help to demonstrate that well-run FSS programs with a focus on asset building hold tremendous potential for women and families to build significant earnings that can set them up for long-term financial security. With nationwide FSS enrollment rates relatively low at only 3% of an estimated 2.2 million eligible households, this report underscores the importance of increasing participation in the FSS program in Massachusetts and across the country. Compass remains committed to reaching our goal of reaching 220,000 households with our model for the FSS program by 2030, through our direct service partnerships, our field-building learning platform FSS Link, and other efforts.
These reports are the first in a series of publications that Abt Associates will release this year on the impact of the FSS programs on families’ abilities to build financial stability. Stay tuned for future releases throughout the year. Special thanks to our program partners for their participation in this study: Cambridge Housing Authority, MA Department of Housing and Community Development, Metro Housing|Authority, and Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development.