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MOUNDS VIEW COMMUNITY SUPPORT Cf1VTE72 (CSC) Success Stories, Continued: John's Story John, a single father, with a so -year old son living with him came to the CSC, feeling completely hopeless, and in need of financial assistance for his rent. He had recently gone through a divorce, which had set a series of negative things in motion in his life, including losing hisjob. He was receiving approximately $400 weekly in unemployment, but the ma- jority of his unemployment benefits were being deducted to pay child support for his z other children, so that he had less than S600 monthly in income. The CSC coordinator urged him to work with SMRLS (previously Legal Aid), who could help him file a motion to reduce the amount taken out of his benefits, but this would take a few weeks to go through. Meanwhile, he had paid his last S3oo towards this month's rent and still owed S5oo. SMRLS was willing to ap- ply to the St Paul Foundation on his behalf for the remaining amount of S5oo, but the St Paul Foundation would not grant the amount unless there was a guarantee that the following month's rent would be covered. John was not eligi- ble for Emergency Assistance or CEAP. Thanks to contributions from Christ the King, St John's and Messiah, the CSC coordinator was able to guarantee all but $75 for John's $775 rent, and John was able to cover the remaining amount himself. The St Paul Foundation paid their portion and an eviction was prevented. John is now taking exams for his GED through Adult Basic Education at Pike Lake, and will be enrolled in Ramsey County's Displaced Workers Program to re-train for additionaljob opportunities. He is deeply appreciative of the resources he was connected to through the CSC and the support he received from his community. Patricia's Story Patricia came to the CSC in need of S3.,o95 to pay her rent and late fees in order to avoid eviction for herself, her hus- band and a children, ages sz and 6. Her husband had experienced an emergency health issue z months prior, which had caused him to lose hisjob and the family's income. Patricia was very concerned about the welfare of her children and that they not be negatively impacted by the situation. As soon as her husband's health condition allowed, Patricia began job searching in order to provide forthe family and was excited that she had been hired as a receptionist with a start date within the week. Initially, she had sold many of her personal belongings in order to raise some cash to keep the family afloat. The family was not eligible for Ramsey County emergency assistance, as they had received help to pay previous months'rent. Nor were they eligible for assis- tance from CEAP, who had helped the family with ist month's rent and the deposit when they moved into their apart- ment. Patricia was encouraged to make an appointment with a therapist that she had been referred to in order to deal with the pressure that she was experiencing and to have a place where she could receive the emotional support she needed in orderto be able to continue to be'the rock" forthe family. She was also referred to Community Action to apply for energy assistance. A $ao gas card was given to help with transportation to her newjob until she received her sst pay check. Meanwhile, the CSC coordinator contacted CSC faith partners and thanks to GracePoint, Christ the King, Bethlehem Baptist and St John's, the rent amount due was guaranteed, and the eviction process was halted. Patricia and her fami- ly have now begun attending one of the churches who helped them, and are extremely grateful for the support they found.