Behind the Scenes...in Refugee Resettlement

 Did you ever wonder how refugees find lodging once they arrive in Arizona? Well, that's part of the work of Catholic Charities, and that responsibility falls regularly to staff member Calla Floyd. We asked Calla to tell us what is involved in placing refugees in an apartment complex. Her account offers a humorous but poignant glimpse into this extraordinary process.

"I need to 'sell' apartment complex managers on the idea I am offering them an opportunity of a lifetime. So, after explaining that I am seeking safe, affordable and clean housing for refugee clients of Catholic Charities Community Services, I give a brief definition of who we are and the work we do, define refugee versus immigrant and explain all refugees are legal entrants to the U.S., then I carefully begin my 'sales pitch' and subtly mention our requirements, which goes something like:

 1)      "The government only allots $425 per refugee (one time only) with which we need to rent an apartment, furnish it, ensure utilities are taken care of, buy food and all basic necessities and give the refugee a little pocket money.   I ask that you reduce your prices to either match or beat the rents we currently pay at other complexes."  (Sometimes this can mean a rent reduction of $150 or $200 per month for a landlord and, if they don't faint dead away at this, I now have hope.)

2)      "You are to be applauded for being pro-active with regard to crime-free neighborhoods and requiring background checks on all potential new tenants; however, you'll just have to trust me regarding refugees since they don't have a background in America to check on" (followed by the standard explanation that our government completes a thorough investigation of every refugee they grant a VISA to for entrance to America - and hoping I have an honest face)

3)      "I see that you charge general cleaning and security deposits; however, I need to have you waive all deposits?" (which is typically followed up with my narrative on how teeny tiny budget.  If I haven't heard a "no" yet - I'm thinking this may be my lucky day.)

4)      "How wonderful that you offer leasing opportunities ranging from 3 months to 6 months to one year and I see that you require first and last month's rent be paid before the tenant moves in; however, I need you to waive those requirements and be satisfied with month-to-month arrangements for refugees?" (followed by another narrative that explains, once a newly arriving refugee is gainfully employed and becomes economically self-sufficient, we encourage signing lease agreements for their protection as well as the landlord.  Of course, when that opportunity becomes a reality, deposits and first/last month rents are still not affordable and will need to be waived.)

5)      "Catholic Charities pays only the first month of rent and we need prior access to the apartment to set it up - without being charged for the extra days, of course." (This often leads to a lively conversation about who will pay future rent and how.)

6)      "You have just asked a great question as to how long it takes before a refugee becomes economically self-sufficient through employment or some other means." (After verbally applauding their grasp of the bigger picture surrounding refugees, I follow up with another narrative on the economy, the marketable skills of the client - if any, the job market and it all boils down to: really I cannot pinpoint that.  I do assure them we have economic safety nets in place such as refugee cash assistance, SSI, etc.)

7)       "As a potential landlord, you have just done an amazing job of encapsulating my requests for your leap of faith in renting to a total stranger who has not even arrived to America, has no job, and that you are giving up your financial safety nets by reducing rental rate dramatically and taking on the additional cost of paid utilities."  (Affirmation of this being their opportunity of a lifetime to make a positive difference in this world one person at a time fits very nicely here and I'm feeling confident at this point - especially since I haven't been shown the door)

8)      "By the way, you may not be able to converse with the refugee tenants since they may not speak English.."  (followed by my assurances that we have interpreters available fluent in the tenant's native language and our case managers are available for any emergency 24 hours a day/7 days a week)

9)      "Please don't be surprised if your office staff are frequently approached by refugee tenants who have questions not necessarily related to the landlord/tenant relationship but, perhaps, are more along the lines of 'what time is my appointment at the social security office with my case manager?'"  (Lots of assurance on my part that complex staff can simply pick up the phone and ask the case manager to intervene)

 Needless to say, I get a lot of "no, thank you" or "you've got to be kidding" responses.  But, it is worth every minute when I find a new landlord who says, "Absolutely - I want to be a part of this and what else can I do to welcome refugees to America?"

 When I hear that, it is music to my ears. Because then, not wanting to miss an opportunity, I can offer more opportunities such as: 

 You can open up your clubhouse at no charge to us to conduct English, Life Skills, Vocational Skills and other classes...you can put together home cleaning kits and set up orientation classes for refugees related to proper home care in addition to the orientation we provide on this topic...you can keep bus route books available in the office just in case the client loses theirs...you can waive any late rent fees in the instances where, for example, there may be a slight delay in refugee cash assistance becoming available...you can donate home furnishings that are in good condition and left behind by previous tenants to refugees...you can be a business sponsor of or purchase tickets to our Appreciation Dinner...or both...

 ...and the list goes on and on and on and on.

 Amazingly, we currently have engaged 12 apartment complexes and the list continues to grow!"