Lakeside's rental housing program received a big boost with the announcement that Lakeside will receive funds to expand counseling services for renters impacted by the economic downturn. The new funds are part of two different federal stimulus related grants to the City of Chicago. Under the first, known as the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program, Lakeside will provide counseling assistance to renters who are facing a short-term financial hardship. Services will include credit and budget counseling, assistance locating apartments, referrals to social services, and reviews of participants' eligibility for short-term cash assistance payments. This program is due to begin December 1.

Under the second program, funded from a supplemental CDBG award for foreclosure-related counseling services, Lakeside will work with renters and homeowners impacted by foreclosure or the threat of foreclosure. For renters, services will include information and referrals concerning their legal rights, assistance in locating new apartments, negotiations with lenders if their landlords are foreclosed, and related housing counseling services. For homeowners, including small landlords who reside in their properties, agency services will include comprehensive foreclosure prevention counseling, assistance with loan modification negotiations, and related services. This program is due to start December 1 as well, pending completion of contract paperwork with the City of Chicago.

For more information on Lakeside's rental housing program, contact Bibian Guevara, rental housing advocate, at (773) 381-5253.