“We’re glad you’re here! I’m so proud of you for coming.” The sentiment rings out repeatedly as residents filter into the community eating hall at the Stockton Blvd Safe Stay Community. Week two of the “Ready to Rent” class is about to start with about 20 participants taking a seat.
The Ready to Rent six-week course, taught by case manager, Alex Clinkscales with First Step Communities, provides approachable, basic lessons and open discussion on concepts that are helpful for people experiencing homelessness – particularly those who have been chronically homeless for years. Concepts include what possible income streams are available, how to manage or build credit, applying for jobs and being a good tenant.
The course material is simple and easy to understand, punctuated with open conversation among class attendees about their personal experiences in the areas mentioned above.
The Battle of Income
Of the 20 or so class attendees, only a handful indicated they have an income stream – be it a job, Social Security or disability benefits. But the latter two are only available to people who have paid into the system at some point in their lives, which some participants haven’t. Even for those who have worked a significant portion of their lives, the paperwork and qualification for receiving Social Security or disability benefits can be daunting. Many may be eligible for a secondary social security option: Supplemental Security Income - if they qualify and again, with a hefty amount of paperwork involved.
Most folks expressed frustration with being denied on their first try, only to apply a second time and get accepted with little to no change to their application or circumstances. Others talked about their Social Security or disability insurance payments being woefully short of what is needed to rent an apartment and manage living expenses.
The conversation turned to employment and the pros and cons of a job. The pros are somewhat obvious: a steady income, the ability to increase income through experience and promotions, possible health insurance, social connections and a sense of worth. The whole class laughed when one participant expressed the desire to work at a restaurant to get free food – a small perk when all her income would go towards rent. The class laughed, but she wasn’t wrong – low wages and a high cost of living leave little expendable income outside of bare necessities.
But there is another side to the job story – lack of transportation, appropriate clothing, cleanliness and job skills. When living unsheltered, these are very real barriers to employment. But those staying at a Safe Stay Community get a renewed sense of hope. With access to showers and laundry services, steady meals and public transportation right out their door – maybe things can change. Case managers are committed to helping with the job search, resume building and securing appropriate clothing for jobs.
The case managers truly take a “whatever it takes” approach to helping their clients. Navigating the complicated systems of care takes perseverance, patience and frankly, experience to truly get the most out of general assistance, Medi-cal and other public benefit options. Having a knowledgeable, experienced case worker to help is one of the more invaluable assets of connecting with the social service system.
The Struggle to Rent
For clients that do have a steady income, all their documents ready and an interest to get their own place – there is still no guarantee they’ll find a place affordable enough to rent. The average two-bedroom rental in Sacramento is about $1850/month, plus utilities and living expenses. There is also no guarantee that an affordable rental will be near their place of employment, access to public transportation to get them there or, for some, their support system. With few affordable units on the market and high demand, case workers are fighting hard to place their clients when and where they can. Particularly because many participants have bad credit and/or an eviction on their record.
You Have to Do “the Work”
Every client expressed and agreed with the sentiment that getting off the streets isn’t easy. Even with the help of an army of social workers, case managers and rehousing specialists, clients must put in their own hours – do the work. While the shelter support team can help make appointments and secure transportation to the DMV, social security or benefits office – clients must show up themselves, in-person for many appointments. Piles of paperwork, verifications and missteps often discourage folks from continuing. Many expressed frustrations over paperwork failures by the government agencies causing undue delay.
The class also discussed building up good credit – by way of a credit card or personal loan, including the pitfalls of credit cards, interest rates and missed payments. However, despite the risks, good credit is essential to a landlord when deciding which tenant to rent to.
The Hope of a Better Life
One Safe Stay Community resident shared her backstory to homelessness with the entire class.
“I had a job – a great job. I was a truck driver, and I loved it. I made decent money, had good benefits and I didn’t really have to deal with people. One day I got really sick, it turns out I had an infection that attacked my central nervous system. The long-term effects made it so I couldn’t work. I hate being on disability. I want to work. But the alternative is being dead, so I am grateful to be alive… but if you can work, work. I wish every day I could still work.”
Many expressed the desire to work, not just for income, but to improve their self-esteem and keep themselves busy. Case managers reaffirmed that they are available to support clients in any way possible: from morning wake-up calls to help with resumes to daily check-ins on how job searches and workdays are going.
Homelessness is a thief – it steals years off people’s lives, their future and their hope. But The Safe Stay Communities – are a lifeline to restore hope and people’s future. It isn’t easy, but for clients who persevere through the process, regardless of how long it takes, the wait is worth it.
