Alex is a retired Metro Transit mechanic who receives support from Opportunity Partners' Independent Living Services (ILS) program. With the help of ILS case manager  Elizabeth Buhmann, Alex and his wife Nora are now living in an apartment that is perfect for them.

Alex and Nora were living in an apartment with an expensive rent that they could not afford. The apartment also had structural problems that were both inaccessible and a safety hazard. Their landlord was not the most responsive or respectful when they requested fixes. Alex and Nora had been looking for housing for a long time when they finally were able to get into St. Paul Public Housing, where they now have subsidized rent. Their new apartment is affordable, in a great location and is more accessible. When asked what his favorite part about his apartment, Alex says, "everything." It's an apartment that they will be able to happily live in for a long time to come.

The moving process - overwhelming for anyone - was especially taxing for Alex and Nora. Elizabeth helped Alex get organized, box items up and move them into their new place. Elizabeth set aside extra time on their moving day to ensure everything went smoothly and that they were able to move within the time frame their funding budget allowed.

Now that they are settled, Alex enjoys jazz music and playing dominoes at the local coffee shop. He says that now that they are settled, he hopes to visit his children and grandchildren back in Ethiopia.

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