Housing Search Program launched

Fair Housing Resource Center, Inc. announced it is launching a new program to help people search, apply, create a budget, and assist residents through the rental process as needed.

It’s called the Housing Search Program and it serves Ashtabula, Geauga, and Lake counties, according to a news release.

This program is born out of a grant awarded to the center under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through $5 billion coming from the federal American Rescue Plan. The funds are aimed at preventing homelessness and creating more affordable housing and services, the release stated.

The center’s grant will be used to assist people in finding housing by searching area openings, doing budget counseling, creating a unique action plan, and offering additional help specific to their needs. The center also created a free computer lab for people to use with the assistance of a housing case manager.

Because of the pandemic, many landlords moved their applications online. However, that can pose a barrier for people without computer or internet access, as well as people in protected classes such as seniors and people with disabilities.

The housing case manager will also evaluate if program participants qualify for any other aid, including programs utilized by the center, and connect them with other local resources.

Anyone can participate and there are no required qualifications at this time, the release stated.

As a nonprofit organization, the center promotes equal housing opportunities for all persons and advocates for fair housing and diversity in the three counties.