Abt Associates worked with two FSS programs in Cambridge and Lynn, Massachusetts, to evaluate the impact of Compass’s FSS programs on participants’ earnings growth and benefits usage by comparing changes over time in earnings and benefits to Compass FSS participants to that of a sample of Housing Choice Voucher holders in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, selected through propensity scoring. Abt Associates also evaluated the impact of Compass’s FSS programs on participants’ credit scores by comparing the change in credit scores for Compass FSS participants to that of a matched comparison group provided through a cooperating credit bureau. Abt Associates also looked at longitudinal patterns of earnings for HCV holders in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut (separately for FSS and non-FSS participants) to help inform Compass’s monitoring of clients’ progress in increasing their earnings. Additionally, Abt Associates conducted a cost-benefit analysis that compared the costs of Compass’s FSS program to estimates of its benefits. Abt Associates also provided implementation support to Compass by helping to improve and conduct cognitive testing for the assessment tool they use to track changes in client practices and beliefs related to financial capability, helping Compass develop stronger mechanisms for tracking earnings in between annual recertification, and providing other analytical support as needed to help Compass refine and strengthen its approach. (Grant Number: RP-MA-15002)

Note: The status of this project is complete.