Help my friend find safe housing in Chicago
May 24, 2019 5:33 PM Subscribe
A friend has just opened up to me about years of abuse. Her abuser controlled and isolated her and he just moved out of state, leaving her in the apartment he was paying for. She cannot pay the rent, and there is no lease. She just got served a 5 day eviction notice. How do I help her find secure housing?
A few years ago she cut me out of her life. She contacted me recently out of the blue to ask for help. It is clear that her abuser isolated from all of her connections and controlled her life. He did not let her have a phone, etc. She has no job.
She has talked to a couple of social workers that her PCP referred her to. I checked in with her to see how it was going and she said that they gave her a lot of orgs to contact but did not help her contact them. I thought she had a case worker, but she does not. She has medical conditions as well as the fallout from abuse and it would be good if someone walked her through arranging housing right now because does not have a lot of capacity to do this on her own.
She needs expert help to keep track of what to do, but I don't know if she will be able to get it. I will do what I can. Right now I would like a list of trustworthy organizations who could help her find a place to live for free. I will contact them for her if she wants and help walk her through what they need to know.
(I have asked her to give me a list of all the orgs they told her about, but I do not know if she still has the information or even if she will be back in touch with me tonight.)
A few years ago she cut me out of her life. She contacted me recently out of the blue to ask for help. It is clear that her abuser isolated from all of her connections and controlled her life. He did not let her have a phone, etc. She has no job.
She has talked to a couple of social workers that her PCP referred her to. I checked in with her to see how it was going and she said that they gave her a lot of orgs to contact but did not help her contact them. I thought she had a case worker, but she does not. She has medical conditions as well as the fallout from abuse and it would be good if someone walked her through arranging housing right now because does not have a lot of capacity to do this on her own.
She needs expert help to keep track of what to do, but I don't know if she will be able to get it. I will do what I can. Right now I would like a list of trustworthy organizations who could help her find a place to live for free. I will contact them for her if she wants and help walk her through what they need to know.
(I have asked her to give me a list of all the orgs they told her about, but I do not know if she still has the information or even if she will be back in touch with me tonight.)
Best answer: The Chicago hotline for DV is really useful for getting her connected to resources. (1877 863 6338)
But please note that a five day notice is the first of many steps to do an eviction. She has tenants rights, and she doesn't have to be out in five days. However she may face an eviction on her record (if the landlord files in court, if she doesn't find housing etc). That can take months.
If she has an income Or (simetimes even if she doesn't) HPRP (homeless prevention and rapid rehousing) programs may be available to her. You access those by calling 311 requesting short term help and the above phrase. I'm not sure if they are currently funded but it is worth trying.
They will refer her to an agency for an intake.
She may have some legal help available because of the DV but she'll need to call the hotline to get to an available agency to evaluate her case. If she needs help once a court order for eviction is filed, she may recieve assistance through LAF, but there are caviats to that help that would require an intake to assess eligibility .
Feel free to pm me with more details as I do referrals all the time for this sort of thing.
posted by AlexiaSky at 6:11 PM on May 24, 2019 [16 favorites]
But please note that a five day notice is the first of many steps to do an eviction. She has tenants rights, and she doesn't have to be out in five days. However she may face an eviction on her record (if the landlord files in court, if she doesn't find housing etc). That can take months.
If she has an income Or (simetimes even if she doesn't) HPRP (homeless prevention and rapid rehousing) programs may be available to her. You access those by calling 311 requesting short term help and the above phrase. I'm not sure if they are currently funded but it is worth trying.
They will refer her to an agency for an intake.
She may have some legal help available because of the DV but she'll need to call the hotline to get to an available agency to evaluate her case. If she needs help once a court order for eviction is filed, she may recieve assistance through LAF, but there are caviats to that help that would require an intake to assess eligibility .
Feel free to pm me with more details as I do referrals all the time for this sort of thing.
posted by AlexiaSky at 6:11 PM on May 24, 2019 [16 favorites]
Best answer: The DV hotline for Chicago does census for available DV shelter beds twice a day (8am and 11pm ish) beds are available on a first come first serve basis. Each agency intake is different (so she may qualify for one but not another). It would provide her with specialized services more in line with what you are looking for her. But she would have to want to go to the shelter which is a scary prospect.
Please note that general shelter is accessed via 311 but the amount of services that come with placement may be very very limited as it is the services for the general homeless population and it dramatically varys in quality and resources. Going to a DHS office might net her better referrals, but if she qualifies for DV shelter that is the way to go.
posted by AlexiaSky at 6:19 PM on May 24, 2019 [3 favorites]
Please note that general shelter is accessed via 311 but the amount of services that come with placement may be very very limited as it is the services for the general homeless population and it dramatically varys in quality and resources. Going to a DHS office might net her better referrals, but if she qualifies for DV shelter that is the way to go.
posted by AlexiaSky at 6:19 PM on May 24, 2019 [3 favorites]
Does she have a cell phone? (Maybe so if she is calling you?) If not, maybe something like a basic smart phone with the next 3 months or so prepaid could be a real godsend.
posted by flug at 6:59 PM on May 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by flug at 6:59 PM on May 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: I got her a cell phone and put her on my plan so that she could have phone and internet.
posted by bleary at 7:10 PM on May 24, 2019 [8 favorites]
posted by bleary at 7:10 PM on May 24, 2019 [8 favorites]
I would recommend putting a purchase blocker on the phone you are giving her.
posted by Short End Of A Wishbone at 9:00 PM on May 24, 2019 [5 favorites]
posted by Short End Of A Wishbone at 9:00 PM on May 24, 2019 [5 favorites]
But please note that a five day notice is the first of many steps to do an eviction. She has tenants rights, and she doesn't have to be out in five days. However she may face an eviction on her record (if the landlord files in court, if she doesn't find housing etc). That can take months
This. She can probably stay at least a couple months and get her situation together before the eviction is final, thankfully without the dude breathing down her neck. She doesn't even have to pay rent, and if she talks to some tenant rights people she might find out there are some easy things she can do to stretch the eviction process out. Don't be afraid to go scorched earth, and if her name is not on the lease she may be able to put more of the eviction on his record.
Make sure the only way the dude can actually contact her is through postal mail. Change phone numbers, lock down internet profiles, and block emails if she can't change email addresses. The address is the only thing he gets to know from now on.
posted by rhizome at 12:20 AM on May 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
This. She can probably stay at least a couple months and get her situation together before the eviction is final, thankfully without the dude breathing down her neck. She doesn't even have to pay rent, and if she talks to some tenant rights people she might find out there are some easy things she can do to stretch the eviction process out. Don't be afraid to go scorched earth, and if her name is not on the lease she may be able to put more of the eviction on his record.
Make sure the only way the dude can actually contact her is through postal mail. Change phone numbers, lock down internet profiles, and block emails if she can't change email addresses. The address is the only thing he gets to know from now on.
posted by rhizome at 12:20 AM on May 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
Best answer: The comments that she doesn’t actually need to leave by the end of the five day notice are correct - landlords are not permitted to lock tenants out and are require to go through the courts to evict (of course, not all landlords follow the correct procedure - though she can probably get back in if she’s locked out). I’m not specifically familiar with Illinois law (or Chicago codes) on this, but the general process is:
- Landlord serves a 3/5/30 day notice to quit (move out)
- If the tenant has not moved out, landlord files an eviction lawsuit in the court
- Tenant has some period of time (usually a couple weeks) to respond
- If tenant does not respond, landlord wins by default, court issues order, and tenant has a few days to move out
- If tenant does respond, a trial is scheduled
- At the trial, if the tenant isn’t paying rent, the landlord will almost certainly win, court will issue order, and tenant will have a few days to move out
- If the tenant doesn’t move out when required to by court order, the landlord gets the sheriff to come physically evict the tenant. Sheriff may or may not give a couple days notice (usually depends on local codes or state law)
A local legal aid organization should be able to give you a more specific timeline for the courts in Chicago - there’s a lot of variation based on both the local laws and how crowded the courts are.
If your friend is listed on the lease, staying in the apartment will probably significantly hurt her credit score (she may or may not care). If the landlord files an eviction notice to get her out, so her name is listed on a public court document, it could make it more difficult for her to rent in the future. This kind of consequence is also a good question for a local legal aid organization.
If she calls a legal aid organization to get more info (which I would definitely recommend!), I would start by saying that she knows she’s going to get evicted for nonpayment and is not looking for representation, she’s just looking for information on the process. Most legal aid orgs, especially ones that deal with ll/tenant issues, are totally overwhelmed by demand and unable to represent most people who ask for help - if she clarifies that she just needs advice, they may be quicker to respond since that’s something they should be able to do with just a short phone conversation or consultation.
posted by insectosaurus at 5:24 AM on May 25, 2019
- Landlord serves a 3/5/30 day notice to quit (move out)
- If the tenant has not moved out, landlord files an eviction lawsuit in the court
- Tenant has some period of time (usually a couple weeks) to respond
- If tenant does not respond, landlord wins by default, court issues order, and tenant has a few days to move out
- If tenant does respond, a trial is scheduled
- At the trial, if the tenant isn’t paying rent, the landlord will almost certainly win, court will issue order, and tenant will have a few days to move out
- If the tenant doesn’t move out when required to by court order, the landlord gets the sheriff to come physically evict the tenant. Sheriff may or may not give a couple days notice (usually depends on local codes or state law)
A local legal aid organization should be able to give you a more specific timeline for the courts in Chicago - there’s a lot of variation based on both the local laws and how crowded the courts are.
If your friend is listed on the lease, staying in the apartment will probably significantly hurt her credit score (she may or may not care). If the landlord files an eviction notice to get her out, so her name is listed on a public court document, it could make it more difficult for her to rent in the future. This kind of consequence is also a good question for a local legal aid organization.
If she calls a legal aid organization to get more info (which I would definitely recommend!), I would start by saying that she knows she’s going to get evicted for nonpayment and is not looking for representation, she’s just looking for information on the process. Most legal aid orgs, especially ones that deal with ll/tenant issues, are totally overwhelmed by demand and unable to represent most people who ask for help - if she clarifies that she just needs advice, they may be quicker to respond since that’s something they should be able to do with just a short phone conversation or consultation.
posted by insectosaurus at 5:24 AM on May 25, 2019
Best answer: DomesticShelters.org
Call a domestic violence agency and ask to speak to a victim advocate. Finding transitional housing for victims is one of their main job functions. The other things they do are basically - everything a victim needs to get back on their feet. A good agency will be able to help with housing, legal help, counseling, financial assistance, etc., and will be trained in dealing with traumatized victims who are mostly unable to help themselves.
If for some reason she doesn’t get the help she needs, MeMail me. I work for a DV agency and should be able to help track down some resources. (I’m on the road today but will check my MeMail when I can.)
Also: Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence has some stuff on the bottom of their page.
posted by MexicanYenta at 5:49 AM on May 25, 2019 [3 favorites]
Call a domestic violence agency and ask to speak to a victim advocate. Finding transitional housing for victims is one of their main job functions. The other things they do are basically - everything a victim needs to get back on their feet. A good agency will be able to help with housing, legal help, counseling, financial assistance, etc., and will be trained in dealing with traumatized victims who are mostly unable to help themselves.
If for some reason she doesn’t get the help she needs, MeMail me. I work for a DV agency and should be able to help track down some resources. (I’m on the road today but will check my MeMail when I can.)
Also: Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence has some stuff on the bottom of their page.
posted by MexicanYenta at 5:49 AM on May 25, 2019 [3 favorites]
(Also, I just followed you on twitter, so I’ll get a notification if you want to contact me there.)
posted by MexicanYenta at 5:53 AM on May 25, 2019
posted by MexicanYenta at 5:53 AM on May 25, 2019
IANAL but my understanding is the full eviction process trial and all takes about a year. If she's not on the lease, I don't see how she can be on the hook to eventually pay for owed rent. If she has proof of living at the property for an extended period, such as mail, etc.) she should keep that somewhere safe.
posted by xammerboy at 10:27 PM on May 25, 2019
posted by xammerboy at 10:27 PM on May 25, 2019
Response by poster: I don't understand everything about the landlord situation, but I know the landlord has been hostile to her and that she's afraid of him and his son. The elderly landlord entered her apartment and tossed stuff into the dumpster and took some stuff. That happened earlier this month.
One of them is going into her apartment to check for electrical stuff.
If eviction can take a month or more, I am wondering if she should leave anyone if she can get access to a DV shelter. How long to people get to stay in DV shelters?
posted by bleary at 8:50 AM on May 26, 2019
One of them is going into her apartment to check for electrical stuff.
If eviction can take a month or more, I am wondering if she should leave anyone if she can get access to a DV shelter. How long to people get to stay in DV shelters?
posted by bleary at 8:50 AM on May 26, 2019
Response by poster: Would it be okay if she's not there when he shows up?
She would like to deny him access since he said he was giving 48 hours notice but 48 hours notice means tomorrow, not today.
I don't know how to help with denying access, but I've offered to be there when/if he shows up today.
posted by bleary at 8:54 AM on May 26, 2019
She would like to deny him access since he said he was giving 48 hours notice but 48 hours notice means tomorrow, not today.
I don't know how to help with denying access, but I've offered to be there when/if he shows up today.
posted by bleary at 8:54 AM on May 26, 2019
Response by poster:
posted by bleary at 8:59 AM on May 26, 2019
Make sure the only way the dude can actually contact her is through postal mail. Change phone numbers, lock down internet profiles, and block emails if she can't change email addresses. The address is the only thing he gets to know from now on.I don't think it's a good idea for her to change numbers since she will be cutting off her contacts.
posted by bleary at 8:59 AM on May 26, 2019
Response by poster:
posted by bleary at 9:28 AM on May 26, 2019
Can you wire her some money through Square or Venmo for an Airbnb?She does not have a bank account, but she does have a paypal account. I have told her about their debit cards and sent money to her. Debit cards from paypal take about a week to show up. I have not checked if she ordered one.
posted by bleary at 9:28 AM on May 26, 2019
Response by poster: I just checked and she has not ordered one. Is there a way for her to have access to a debit card right away?
posted by bleary at 9:35 AM on May 26, 2019
posted by bleary at 9:35 AM on May 26, 2019
Response by poster: This article is written for the point of view of landlords serving 5-day eviction notices in Chicago. When the landlord texted her about serving a 5-day notice under her door, he text asking for rent. Based on this article, if she pays any part of the rent the eviction process has to start all over again.
Free 5 Day Notice and Eviction Notice
I don't know if the landlord knows about that, but maybe it would be a good idea right now for her to pay part of the rent.
posted by bleary at 9:38 AM on May 26, 2019
Free 5 Day Notice and Eviction Notice
I don't know if the landlord knows about that, but maybe it would be a good idea right now for her to pay part of the rent.
posted by bleary at 9:38 AM on May 26, 2019
Best answer: DV shelters aren't designed to be super long term (like over a year) but they do provide support for gaining self sufficiency such as getting a job. Each DV shelter is a bit different, they all have slightly different qualifications and services. The Hotline will know the most about which is which. Some offer services to people who aren't staying in their shelter, some focus soley on people staying.
So, it is true if the landlord takes any money the five day is null until a new five day is issued, but he can issue one at any time if she has back rent. All he had to do is wait five days and then file to the court. So, it really is the cost of a piece of paper to walk back up stairs and tape it to the door to restart the process. I've seen landlords make this mistake and file without reissuing a five day then get a case thrown out, and I've also seen landlords keep checks or money orders and not cash them and the eviction goes through. Depends on the landlord, how much experience they have and if the occupant had legal representation . Please talk to a tenants rights organization regarding this process, it's detailed and intricate and sometimes just at the whim of the judge. Metropolitan tenants org is a good one. No one here is going to be able to tell you how long she can stay in that unit. But if she's not paying, and had no plans to pay, she will eventually face eviction no matter what.
You can look on the city of Chicago clerk website under court records then civil cases the name on the leasee's to see if a court date has been filed or not at this point.
It might have been. It might be under her name as well, but sometimes lists name on the lease plus other unidentified occupants.
Filing for eviction is expensive in the city of Chicago, but there is also pressure for him to file now as Chicago basically halts evictions in the winter time. I'd expect him to for sooner than later.
posted by AlexiaSky at 12:02 PM on May 26, 2019
So, it is true if the landlord takes any money the five day is null until a new five day is issued, but he can issue one at any time if she has back rent. All he had to do is wait five days and then file to the court. So, it really is the cost of a piece of paper to walk back up stairs and tape it to the door to restart the process. I've seen landlords make this mistake and file without reissuing a five day then get a case thrown out, and I've also seen landlords keep checks or money orders and not cash them and the eviction goes through. Depends on the landlord, how much experience they have and if the occupant had legal representation . Please talk to a tenants rights organization regarding this process, it's detailed and intricate and sometimes just at the whim of the judge. Metropolitan tenants org is a good one. No one here is going to be able to tell you how long she can stay in that unit. But if she's not paying, and had no plans to pay, she will eventually face eviction no matter what.
You can look on the city of Chicago clerk website under court records then civil cases the name on the leasee's to see if a court date has been filed or not at this point.
It might have been. It might be under her name as well, but sometimes lists name on the lease plus other unidentified occupants.
Filing for eviction is expensive in the city of Chicago, but there is also pressure for him to file now as Chicago basically halts evictions in the winter time. I'd expect him to for sooner than later.
posted by AlexiaSky at 12:02 PM on May 26, 2019
Response by poster: Thank you for all the very helpful information. I am extremely grateful, and I'm not sure how to express it.
So far, I'm planning to go hang out with her tomorrow for the holiday and will stick around def for the time the landlord said he will show up to her place. She doesn't want to be away when he goes into her apart (legit!).
Re the shelter stuff, My plan is walk through calling the DV hotline with her and then taking her to wherever she needs to go for intake.
And I'm going to help her go through information and call people. She also asked for help selecting an intensive outpatient care program, so I'm looking through the list that she has and finding reviews and stuff. My plan then will be to help her get to an assessment intake.
Neither of us have a car but I can hire lyfts or whatever.
posted by bleary at 12:16 PM on May 26, 2019
So far, I'm planning to go hang out with her tomorrow for the holiday and will stick around def for the time the landlord said he will show up to her place. She doesn't want to be away when he goes into her apart (legit!).
Re the shelter stuff, My plan is walk through calling the DV hotline with her and then taking her to wherever she needs to go for intake.
And I'm going to help her go through information and call people. She also asked for help selecting an intensive outpatient care program, so I'm looking through the list that she has and finding reviews and stuff. My plan then will be to help her get to an assessment intake.
Neither of us have a car but I can hire lyfts or whatever.
posted by bleary at 12:16 PM on May 26, 2019
I don't know how to help with denying access, but I've offered to be there when/if he shows up today.
I'm not quite sure of the sequence of events you're describing, but if the landlord (or someone representing them) shows up before the 48 hours notice is up and forces his way or just walks in, call the police.
posted by rhizome at 2:40 PM on May 26, 2019
I'm not quite sure of the sequence of events you're describing, but if the landlord (or someone representing them) shows up before the 48 hours notice is up and forces his way or just walks in, call the police.
posted by rhizome at 2:40 PM on May 26, 2019
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Young Kullervo at 5:48 PM on May 24, 2019