Volunteer Opportunity
Refugee Housing Volunteer
Program Area:
Resettlement and Placement
Location:
Schedule:
Virtual/ IRCO Main
Flexible between 8:30AM-5:00PM Monday through Friday. The volunteer is expected to volunteer at least 2 hours a week.
Position Description:
The Refugee Resettlement & Placement program helps welcome and orient newcomers to life in Portland and The United States. The R&P team assists refugees in finding long-term housing and gainful employment, and connects them to culturally specific services, opportunities, and community. The goal is for refugees to exit the program with the tools and knowledge to be self-sufficient in their new home.
Position Summary:
This volunteer will assist with our permanent housing search to help secure homes for our clients residing in temporary accommodation. This will include:
Search for viable affordable housing options in (Multnomah, Washington & Clackamas County) for our newest community members.
Interact with landlords / Property manager to assess if they will lease to recent refugee arrivals who often do not meet usual rental requirements (Income, Credit, rental history, photo ID's).
Explain IRCO promissory notes and rental assistance to help secure properties despite potential pitfalls listed above.
If Landlord/Property manager is willing to work with IRCO request for a rental application link (Make sure there are no pending applications on the unit).
Monitor and evaluate the size of the family, number of individuals, Special needs and look for housing accordingly.
Keep detailed records of viable landlords and confirmed non-options.
Communicate with the Housing Specialist and Case managers on the house search and updates.
Background in Housing/Tenant/Leasing preferred. Must understand the basics of renting in the US and how to determine viable options from scams.
Requirements:
Must complete training by staff
Must be 18 or older
Must pass background check
Time Commitment:
2 or more set hours a week. 3 months or longer