How We are Addressing Hurdles
to Affordable Housing
|
|
"
Jeneya Lawrence had hoped to find an affordable rental with enough space that her school-age son and daughter would no longer be shoehorned into the same tiny bedroom. When she finally found a place with a monthly rate she could afford, she was ecstatic — until the landlord told her the security deposit was $1,100, upfront. As a home health aide and community health worker with two children to feed, Lawrence said she knew she couldn’t come up with that much money at one time. She had to turn it down. It took months to find another place."
For the low-income families we serve, coming up with enough money to meet security deposit requirements, is a barrier to safe housing. The challenge of coming up with a lump sum of money at one time is often more than they can manage, preventing them from accessing housing and trapping them in abusive situations when they might otherwise be able to afford to move.
The article goes on to note that,
"In a nation where six out of 10 of the most common jobs pay less than $28,000 per year, 40 percent of Americans say they would struggle to come up with the funds to cover an unexpected expense of only $400, according to a May 2018 Federal Reserve study. For many more, an expense of $1,000 or more is out of the question." Security deposits are “definitely an obstacle — low-income renters don’t have the resources sitting around to be able pay a deposit up front and then make another payment for the rent on top of that,” said Andrew Aurand, vice president for research at the National Low-Income Housing Coalition.
"
In addition to dealing with domestic violence, MSP clients, more often than not, have also suffered financial abuse. MSP addresses the lack of safe and affordable housing through our own transitional-to-permanent housing program. Our staff provide case management and other supportive resources aimed to empower clients while rent payments are subsidized by MSP for one year. Our new Fresh Start Fund supports clients by funding one-time needs, such as security deposits, so that they can move on and rebuild their lives. If you are looking for a unique and meaningful way to support survivors and their families during Covid-19, please consider donating to
Fresh Start Fund
today.
|
|
A special thank you to RCN Corporation for the donation of Apple ipads and Google Chromebooks for students residing in our shelter! During these unprecedented times, RCN's support proved to be pivotal in allowing MSP to continue to ensure that the children we serve have access to technology so that they can keep up with their school work. RCN’s compassionate support plays a vital role, not only in their education, but in helping children feel connected during these uncertain times. We want to express our sincere thanks to RCN. We are so very grateful!
|
|
In Solidarity with Survivors
|
|
Even during with Covid-19, our team continues to meet each survivor where they are – no matter the obstacle or crisis. Recently, we have seen an increase in families reporting that they are having a hard time accessing essential items. Staff were able to work together to create care packages for families, and deliver them safely to their homes, following proper social distancing guidelines. Our clients were thrilled to get many needed items such as, toilet paper, paper towels, soap, lotions, and cleaning supplies to maintain their homes.
You can help us provided other needed items through our Amazon wish list by
clicking here
. Thank you for helping us to support families during these uncertain times!
|
|
Help MSP Meet the Growing Need for Support
|
|
- Provide basic necessities such as diapers, wipes, blankets, and feminine products via our Amazon Wish List.
- Contribute to The Fresh Start Fund! The Fresh Start Fund will help survivors and families fleeing DV furnish their new homes, help with moving expenses, and help cover unplanned or unexpected costs, as they work to stabilize their lives.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
