For more than a year, Lakeside CDC has been receiving calls from households who are on the verge of becoming homeless, due to loss of employment or income or a similar financial hardship. The continuing economic downturn has created thousands of such households across the city and region. The ripple effect of such a huge increase in temporary homelessness, especially involving households that historically were stable, will create major challenges for landlords and social service agencies, as well as for the families whose lives are turned upside down.

A new initiative recently announced by Mayor Richard M. Daley called the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program (HPRP) helps address these issues by delivering counseling and housing-related financial assistance for persons who are at risk of becoming homeless. The program is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Under the program, households can apply for cash assistance to meet short term housing expenses. They must participate in comprehensive housing, employment, and social service counseling designed to get them back on their feet as soon as possible. For those whose hardships last longer, HPRP can provide continuing support up to 18 months, though the goal is to assist people on a short-term basis only.

"We are helping those who are in immediate danger of becoming homeless put their lives back on track," said Bibian Guevara, Lakeside Rental Housing Advocate. "We are also helping landlords keep good tenants, who are simply caught in a tough spot, in their apartments," she said. According to Guevara, that will help stabilize many neighborhood landlords.

Lakeside CDC is partnering with Housing Opportunities for Women to implement HPRP services on Chicago's north side. Under the terms of its contract, the joint effort will assist at least 450 households in 2010. Information on eligibility and how apply for HPRP is available by calling 311, though Lakeside is encouraging applicants to contact the agency first. That way its counselors can ensure applicants receive rental counseling through Lakeside's rental housing program, even if they are not eligible under HPRP.

"We are enabling people to redirect or change their lives," explained Housing Specialist Esther Williams-Hays. Lakeside is also working with local organizations, landlords, and other community groups to provide them with information on this program. These organizations are sometimes among the first to know if their clients are having financial problems and through the education provided by Lakeside, more people will potentially be able to receive assistance through HPRP.

For more information on HPRP or Lakeside's rental housing program, contact Bibian Guevara at (773) 381-5253 or visit www.Lakesidecdc.org

To read Mayor Daley's press release on HRPR, click here