CHP’s new rental assistance program takes partnership to the next level. The program — a unique collaboration between CHP, NeighborWorks, Americorp and private donors — provides monetary assistance for residents facing an unexpected and unpreventable loss of income.

The program’s goal is to prevent evictions, and the power of partnership is making it a reality. Neighborworks is supplying the volunteer stipends; CHP running the oversight and coordination; donors building the crisis fund itself; and Americorp VISTAS (Volunteers in Service to America), Chanttal and Narly working to develop and implement the program from soup to nuts. And they’re bringing hands-on energy to every task: from writing, designing, printing and even folding informational brochures to creating surveys and collecting data on hardships faced in low-income housing.

Narly came to CHP after spending a summer in Bridgeport as a VISTA with United Way Health and Wellness Services creating programs for low-income families/households. For Chanttal, who is currently working towards her Masters in community psychology, VISTA was an opportunity to better understand her community, and better prepare for her future career.

“A lot of people get a degree and get a job right away but I wanted to get to know my community first before jumping into a job. Here they are immersing us in the community.”