Erie House Receives Grant to Support Buen HOGAR
Erie Neighborhood House received a $5,000 grant from Wells Fargo to support its housing program, Buen HOGAR, that provides information, resources and referrals to Chicago residents.
“We’re grateful for the support Wells Fargo has provided,” says Erie House executive director Kirstin Chernawsky. “Far too many people lack access to valuable information and assistance related to affordable housing. Buen HOGAR strives to address that deficiency, and this grant will help them support even more residents across the city.”
The Wells Fargo grant will increase Buen HOGAR’s capacity to offer workshops to community residents. The Erie House program is in partnership with the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) and reaches more than 1,000 people each year, addressing housing needs in five community areas in Chicago: Humboldt Park, South Lawndale/Little Village, Bridgeport, Albany Park and Chicago Lawn.
“Whether we’re helping families develop a budget, become aware of their rights or explore CHA programs and resources, we hope that they can benefit from our housing workshops.”
– Eunice Rodriguez, Buen HOGAR Outreach Coordinator
Buen HOGAR services are offered primarily in English and Spanish, but CHA is also able to accommodate residents in their preferred language.
“We hope people walk away from our workshops with knowledge and empowerment,” says Eunice Rodriguez, outreach coordinator for Buen HOGAR. She points out that finding affordable housing in a city like Chicago — with a demand that often outpaces supply — can be a daunting task. Residents are sometimes discouraged by long waitlists and the financial burdens they bear in the meantime.
“Finding ways to help them during that waiting process is our goal,” says Rodriguez. “Whether we’re helping families develop a budget, become aware of their rights or explore CHA programs and resources, we hope that they can benefit from our housing workshops.”
The grant is part of Wells Fargo’s overall commitment to strengthening the communities in which it operates and helping to grow local economies. Wells Fargo supported 14,900 non-profits in 2016, donating $281.3 million to organizations across the country.