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Refugee Secures Permanent Housing through GLCU Foundation’s Program
CommunityDecember 6, 2024
After living in a refugee shelter in Chicago for several weeks, 32-year-old Venezuelan-born Jose G. was eager to find permanent housing. Luckily, he was in the shelter when he heard Jessie Flores, a GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment Housing and Financial Counselor, sharing information that could help him do just that.
As a partner to the City of Chicago shelter, the GLCU Foundation’s housing and financial counselors helped the shelter’s residents access stable housing. Jessie assisted residents in applying for the Asylum Seeker Rental Assistance Program (ASERAP). The ASERAP initiative was managed by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), whose primary mission is to finance the creation and preservation of affordable housing in Illinois. The IHDA connects people with financing programs to help them afford homes.
Jose expressed interest in applying for the ASERAP program to get permanent housing. After reviewing his documentation and verifying he met the program requirements, Jessie helped him fill out the ASERAP application and submit the necessary documents. During their meeting, they reviewed his lease agreement, discussed tenant rights and responsibilities, examined the ASERAP program guidelines, and looked at additional resources such as help with utilities and furnishings, available through the shelter.
Once his application was submitted, Jose needed to also have his prospective landlord, Mr. Lopez, apply as well. Jessie provided the same thorough assistance to Mr. Lopez, and through a series of phone calls and meetings, Jessie was able to educate him about the ASERAP program. She explained the program guidelines and application process, verified the rental agreement information, and obtained a new lease attestation for Jose.
Jessie helped to ensure Mr. Lopez was providing accurate information when he filled out his portion of the ASERAP application. Together with Jose’s Catholic Charities case manager, Jessie worked with Mr. Lopez to ensure his application would be approved.
“The shelter is a terrific partner to the GLCU Foundation. Their advocacy, support and community outreach aligns well with our goals of providing stable housing for refugees looking to be self-sufficient,” Jessie noted.
Within just 17 days of submitting his initial application, Jose’s ASERAP application was approved, and he received $5,600 in funding for stable housing.
If you or someone you know is in need of free financial and housing counseling assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule a free screening.
The information in this post is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. You should consult a licensed financial advisor before investing in any financial product or service.