Heading Home AmeriCorps Volunteers Work to Keep Participants in Their Homes

“Housing is such an issue for so many people we work with. Once someone loses their housing, life becomes so much more difficult.”

—Heidi Olson, Ramsey County MFIP Manager

Safe, stable, and healthy housing is a critical component for so many Hired participants and families.  

With two new AmeriCorps volunteers, Hired is now helping participants and their families address and resolve housing challenges that can often limit their ability to persist in a training program or retain a newly acquired job.   

Susie was seeking a new career and “housing for all” has always been a passion of hers. This position provides her an intense learning experience into the housing instabilities of the Twin Cities. 

Abby was re-entering the workforce and interested in working in a field she was enthusiastic about. She knew how hard it could be to find and keep housing in the Twin Cities and felt that Heading Home Corps was a perfect way to make a difference.  

Susie and Abby, Hired’s Heading Home AmeriCorps Members, are working hard to connect participants to housing resources. If someone is behind on rent, they help them navigate resources such as Rent MN, Emergency Assistance, and Community Action Partnership. When issues come up during the application process, they help address these concerns to avoid any delay in the process.  

Susie has worked with participants dealing with domestic violence. In order to ensure people are safe, domestic violence is a legal reason for breaking a lease. In partnership with HomeLine, Susie is helping participants end their lease commitments and find new and safer homes. 

“Housing is such an issue for so many people we work with. Once someone loses their housing, life becomes so much more difficult,” said Heidi Olson, Ramsey County MFIP Manager. “Having Susie and Abby on our team will help participants stay in their homes – or find a new place that is safe, convenient, and affordable.”