In this issue, learn about St. Ambrose's attorneys taking action in community, resources for addressing foreclosure and eviction activities, checklists for weatherizing your home to save money during the cold season- and all year round. And save the date for #GivingTuesday (Nov. 30, 2021)! We're raising money for our Adopt-A-Family fund, a critical way we support families in need.
When there's a will, there's a way
This month, find St. Ambrose attorneys out in the community: Wednesdays are “Wills Wednesdays” at the Woodlawn Senior Center! At these events, Legal Department staff are preparing wills and advance directives on the spot for local seniors. These pro bono services also include reviewing documents, answering questions about wills and estate planning, and providing advice about property-related legal problems.

“We are thrilled about these events,” says Director of Legal Services Owen Jarvis. “By bringing our legal services directly to community members, we not only provide direct legal assistance as efficiently as possible, we also help raise awareness about all the services St. Ambrose has to offer. Our legal work in these events helps families maintain their homes and personal affairs, plan for the future, and build wealth."

The event series includes six events total at the Woodlawn Senior Center, with remaining events on November 10th and November 17th from 10am-1pm.

Individuals who want to attend can preregister by contacting the Woodlawn Senior Center at 410-887-6887.
If you have current delinquent payments and are seeking alternative housing, or are at risk of eviction, you can speak with staff attorneys and housing counselors to better understand your legal rights, obligations, and options with respect to landlord/tenant disputes.



Contact an attorney: Owen Bement, Staff Attorney, OwenB@stambros.org, 410-366-8550 ext. 215. 
Contact a housing counselor: Keisha Powell, Intake Coordinator, intake@stambros.org, 410-366-8550 ext. 249.
If you have fallen behind on mortgage payments, received a foreclosure notice, have concerns about your mortgage payment inaccuracies, or are unclear about mortgage documents and need help, you can speak with staff attorneys and housing counselors to determine next steps to reach optimal outcomes.

Contact an attorney: Owen Bement, Staff Attorney, OwenB@stambros.org, 410-366-8550 ext. 215. 
Contact a housing counselor: Keisha Powell, Intake Coordinator, intake@stambros.org, 410-366-8550 ext. 249.
If you are 18-24 and looking for a safe, temporary, welcoming living space for up to six months so you can make decisions about your future and learn about permanent, stable housing options with the support of a caring housing case manager, Homesharing might be a good fit for you.


Contact: Curtis McNeil, Youth Case Manager curtism@stambros.org 410-366-8550 ext. 243

Register TODAY for St. Ambrose’s Virtual Home-Buying Workshops! The workshop can be viewed directly from your home computer or smart phone.

Baltimore County Homebuying Workshop
Date: Saturday, November 6, 2021
For online registration, click here.

Baltimore City Home-Buying Workshop
Date: Saturday, November 20, 2021
For online registration, click here.
Has COVID-19 affected your ability to pay rent? You may be eligible for assistance with current or past due payments.​ Local jurisdictions will operate rental assistance programs independently. Baltimore City residents can access rent support here. For those living outside of Baltimore City: visit the Maryland Emergency Rental Assistance Program website to learn how your county is distributing emergency rental funds.
Energy awareness, weatherization and home repairs can make a difference in your bills-- and your wallet.
This time of year, there are simple things homeowners can do to reduce their energy bills. "In addition to consulting experts, there are lots of things you can do yourself," says Clare Rosenberger, NeighborWorks America's director of real estate programs. "It doesn't have to be about new windows, it can be about putting up heavier curtains or caulking. It's about programming your thermostat, making sure your vents aren't blocked by furniture. A lot of it is about making your house work better for you."

Check out the Federal Energy Management Program's daily, weekly, monthly, and annual checklists for tips on improving efficiency, conserving energy, and saving money.
Did you know: this year, nearly half of the residents who moved into a St. Ambrose home indicated that they were homeless, had experienced homelessness, or had been at risk of becoming homeless when they applied for housing?
 
Every day at St. Ambrose, we help our families make themselves at home in strong, stable communities where they can develop relationships with neighbors and create stable home environments where their children are able to live, learn, and grow.
2021 has presented continued housing and financial challenges. For families, it’s been particularly burdensome. Lost jobs, illness, the distance between those we love and rely on, and housing insecurity have many teetering on the edge simply trying to keep a roof over their heads. That's why we reach out to you: your support goes to our Adopt-A-Family Emergency Fund to provide respite now and throughout the year. 

The Adopt-A-Family Emergency Fund gives families access to a wide variety of items, including food, kitchen utensils, beds, and bedding. For many, having access to these items can be life changing.