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YWCA seeks to help locals with poor credit get housing

Trying to find housing can be difficult, at times, for anyone and even more so for individuals who have a poor credit or rental history or a criminal background. Landlords are reluctant to rent to those individuals.

A new program at the YWCA, Housing Location Services, is designed to help qualified individuals connect with landlords who are willing to work with them to obtain housing.

Several landlords who have in the past been helpful with placing Liberty House residents already have expressed an interest in the program, according to Tara Day-Ulrich, co-program director.

Through an emergency-solutions grant from the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development, the YWCA is initiating the program, which will give clients of Liberty House a second chance to live independent and sustainable lives, according to Day-Ulrich.

Informational sessions for landlords interested in participating in the program are set from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. May 21 at the YWCA, 815 W. Fourth St.

Day-Ulrich said it will be a meet and greet with landlords to give them an opportunity to share what they need from tenants.

Liberty House has been in existence for 15 years and has served as a transitional living center for women and children. During the past three years, 140 persons have been served each year.

Women in Liberty House are homeless for various reasons, Day-Ulrich said, but many have experienced abuse. They may stay at Liberty House for up to two years, but most stay six to nine months, she said.

In order to participate in the new housing program, clients must complete their renter’s certification and advanced budgeting education. Once they have their own apartment there are mandatory home visits from case managers to keep them on track.

“We can see if they’re sticking to their budget, staying engaged with their support systems,” she noted.

This also provides extra support for the landlord, Day-Ulrich said, because they know that they have someone to talk to if there is a problem.

Although the program is just starting, Day-Ulrich said she is very excited to get started and hopes that it will grow to something larger.

Right now there are plans to eventually provide financial assistance for security deposits and up to three month’s rent to qualified renters, but that is still in the future, according to Day-Ulrich.

Also in the works is a plan to open the program to other agencies that provide services to the homeless.

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