A group of parishioners from St. Anthony of Padua Parish (Gorham, Windham, Westbrook) have been helping a family (of 5) from Rwanda. The family arrived in early March, having won a green card lottery (with permanent residence). They had to sell most of their belongings to make the trip here.
Their short-term rental was no longer an option, and one of the parishioners offered to put them up in their house for 6-8 weeks (rent free) to give them time to get on their feet. Other parishioners offered them jobs, and both parents are working now to earn and save for their own housing.
They are searching for an apartment or house rental in a reasonable price range, but that seems to be nearly impossible, especially for a family of 5. Many landlords are asking for a significant security deposit, established credit history, income that is 3x greater than rent, in some cases co-signers, and many won’t take 5 people in a 2 bedroom (even though the mom says “twelve Africans could live here.”) There are many other roadblocks and hoops to jump through. They are beyond grateful for the help they have received, but housing is critical. They will, like too many, end up homeless if something isn’t found.
Parishioner Kelly Roussel said, “They are hardworking, conscientious, faith-filled, and joyful. Their backgrounds are in professional fields (accounting, auditing, banking etc), but they are doing labor jobs here to earn and save.” Roussel continued, “I’ve read many comments on rental groups about how easy it is to get housing if you’re from Africa. Not true! There are Mainers and many immigrants and refugees in the same boat, I think.”
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the many parishioners of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, as well as the Knights of Columbus at St. Anne’s, for their kindness and generosity while they settle into their new lives here in Maine. They are grateful for the opportunity to come to America and to all the residents who have treated them with kindness and respect. They are looking forward to being able to give back to the community.
If you have any information about a housing rental for this family or what can be done to address the housing crisis, please contact Kelly Roussel at findthecatalyst@gmail.com.