The COVID-19 pandemic brought hardship for everyone. However, low-income communities felt hardship from the pandemic in a particular way. Many people lost their jobs and their already existing financial troubles grew. Consequently, homelessness has increased because of the pandemic. To combat this housing instability crisis, the federal government allocated a multi-billion dollar fund for low-income households to get rental assistance. Missouri’s rental assistance fund born out of this budget is the State Assistance for Housing Relief (SAFHR), and I was able to work through this complex application with over 30 St. Louis residents during my practicum. This process is tedious and lengthy, so our team brainstormed a day-long clinic that would allow more people to receive assistance at one time. I helped plan, coordinate, and implement DeSales’ first and second Rent and Resource Assistance Clinic where over 25 low-income households were able to apply for rental assistance and get connected to other resources they might need. The clinic amounted to attaining over $110,000 of rental assistance for applicants, helping them stay in their home and maintain stability during a time of difficulty and uncertainty.

Audrey would like to thank her faculty advisor, Rachel Crowe, and her supervisor at her practicum site, Mike Ziegler. Professor Crowe informed Audrey on best practices in the social work field and supported her and her project with much encouragement. Mike Ziegler was an amazing role model for Audrey. Not only did he work with her on implementing the clinics, but Mike showed Audrey how to be an impactful social worker. Mike’s commitment to his work, his ethical responsibility, and the joyful care he puts into his work will be carried with Audrey throughout the rest of her life.