Author: Grace Cunningham

Newcomer Housing Tips: Four Steps for Outreach to Landlords

by on April 12, 2023

Seek Out Welcoming Landlords and Property Owners Sometimes the toughest part of the housing process is knowing where to meet landlords and property owners who are interested in renting to newcomers. To get started, here are some ideas adapted from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guide Tips for Working with Landlords: Connect…

Weatherization

Weatherization

by on April 11, 2023

While property weatherization is usually associated with winter and individual houses, weatherization is an energy-efficient process that apartment dwellers can also do to control energy use in a rental property, whether it is a house or an apartment. Resources Birdog Lighting LED Lighting Rebates  Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)  Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) …

It Takes a Village: Learning from Statewide Housing Partnerships in Idaho

by on April 11, 2023

In a Changing Landscape, Start by Assessing Local Needs Nationally, the housing and refugee resettlement landscape looks different now than it did a few years ago. But those changes manifest differently in each community. The first step in adaptation is understanding.  In 2008, Idaho recognized such shifts and conducted a subsequent needs assessment of local…

Demystifying the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Newcomers

Demystifying the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Newcomers

by on April 10, 2023

Addressing Common Misconceptions About HUD Federal agencies can be intimidating. Jargon and misconceptions can leave many unsure about how to connect to agencies and access resources. For refugees and other newcomers, an unfamiliarity with the U.S. government entities, laws, and procedures can compound confusion and increase hesitancy. Refugee Housing Solutions wants to remove these barriers…

Helping Newcomers with the Housing Search

by on April 10, 2023

With a current rental vacancy rate of just six percent, housing in the United States is difficult to secure. Several factors—credit requirements, income level, transportation needs, and family size, to name a few—further complicate the housing search for newcomers. Finding housing that fits clients’ needs, eligibility, and the housing standards set by the Bureau of Population,…