Program Helps Renters Pay For Security Deposits

DANBURY — The lack of affordable housing in greater Danbury is an issue that has an impact on a significant cross section of the population. Key Rings is a security deposit loan and grant program developed by a United Way-supported partnership of Catholic Family Services, the Association of Religious Communities (ARC), the Salvation Army, and TBICO, that has been working on helping people in the local area live independently in long-term, quality housing.

The agencies that make up the Key Rings collaborative have combined their resources and experience to run this unique program targeted at families and individuals who are working or have a stable income. The United Way of Northern Fairfield County has funded the program with a $100,000 investment.

Key Rings offers a centralized application process through the Key Rings staff located at Catholic Family Services. Anyone applying for the program must find their own apartment, because Key Rings does not locate apartments. In addition, Key Rings recipients will participate in budget counseling and financial education programs and if needed, work with a case manager to ensure their future financial stability.

“We hope that Key Rings can remove a major barrier to getting people in quality housing,” notes Donna Ramey, volunteer chair of United Way’s Housing Opportunities Team, the group charged with bringing this effort and other housing issues to the forefront. “We wanted to stress capacity building through collaboration of those agencies whose combined resources and expertise address the needs of a broad population. By having one phone number to call, and one centralized program location to coordinate referrals appropriately, clients should have a positive and well-organized experience.”

The Key Rings partner agencies anticipate a two-week to one-month turnaround for clients between the time of application, the financial literacy training, and the release of the security deposit directly to the landlord from the program.

Donna Campbell, district executive director of Catholic Family Services, the lead agency of the Key Rings collaborative, stresses that it is not an emergency program, or for those about to be evicted.

“We are very excited about this program –– it’s an opportunity for people to secure an apartment who already have a stable income but don’t have the cash on hand for the security deposit. The program assists with housing and helps build assets, crucial issues for so many people in this area,” she said.

To make an appointment to apply for a security deposit loan or grant, contact Catholic Family Services at 797-2564.