Our favorite African refugee family across the street needs a new place to live. Their lease is expiring on the house they are in, and they want something bigger (there are 8 children and a mom living in an 800 sq ft, 3 bedroom house). Last week three of the children knocked on our door, and when we answered they handed us a huge folder from the Utah Housing Authority and said "Please help us. We need a new home". So - Jacob and I are trying to find them a new home. They will get financial help from the state - so they can actually afford quite a bit of rent. The hard part is finding something big enough (5 bedrooms) that is not way out in suburbia. They don't have a vehicle, or even drivers licenses, so they need to live somewhere that is close to public transportation, schools, work, grocery stores, etc. If anyone knows of a house that is for rent in Salt Lake county that is in the right kind of location, at least 5 bedrooms, and no more than $1500 rent, please let me know!
We are a little bummed that they will be moving. We really love having them live across the street. They are such beautiful people and they kids are so well behaved. The youngest little boy is Lucy's age, and is in her kindergarten class. The boys come over and ask Jacob to help them fix flat tires on their bikes. One time I answered the front door to the youngest little boy holding his bloody finger out and asking for a band-aid. I love that they come to us for help with things. I find it fascinating that the 12 and 14 year old boys are the ones who are communicating with us and the Utah Housing Authority to find a new home for their family. The mom speaks almost no English, so it is up to the kids to solve this problem. I can't imagine having that kind of responsibility at such a young age. We will be sad when they are gone.
10 comments:
Oh! I'll keep my eyes and ears open. I secretly wish it could be by us. My husband would love all the bike tires and stuff.
If they wanted to move to Lehi, I know a perfect place.
Teresa - it needs to be in salt lake county, since they are going with the salt lake housing authority. If they moved to a different county there would be a ton of paperwork they would have to do over for that county.
That is so nice of you and Jacob to be so helpful.
BTW.. Teresa was just referring to their spec home that is for "SALE" or ... apparently, rent. It will be sort of ideal once the tracks are laid, because the commuter train runs right behind it. Like RIGHT behind it. :)
I hope they find just the perfect place!
SHIT.. why am I not at work yet? Oh.. maybe it's because I really, really DON'T want to go. Ugh!
When we had a student come and stay with us from Burundi, Africa this year he told us that the thing he noticed that was the biggest difference from his country to ours was that there were no children outside. He said that in his country the kids play in the streets and are outside all the time and that everyone in the villages knows who's kids they belong to and watches out for them. He said it seemed strange to him not to see any kids in the street. Almost sad, he thought. I should have taken him to your neighborhood.
I hope something comes up quickly for them. I love that you're so willing to help them. That photo you posted of the children the other day was beautiful! It sounds like they are a great family.
is this the family?
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_10678217
It was on the front page of the salt lake tribune sunday.
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=475&ad=4538707&cat=278&lpid=1
Good find we are going to go see that house tomorrow actually. Thanks Julie.
cool. it sounds perfect for them. I hope it's not too good to be true.
on a side note here. You probably already know, but just in case. One of the 3 main languages in Bururndi is French. The mother may speak french and if that's the case, you could have Isabelle translate for you (although I'm not sure how fluent she is, there are a couple of mom's at Tren's school who are french, if that helps). But I guess the kids are pretty good interpreters also. It just might be nice for her to have a grown up to talk to. Keep us posted on the house hunting for them. That is so cool of you guys!
Post a Comment