How to Find the Perfect House as a Somali Refugee in Ohio

 

The Somali diaspora has been forced to migrate from their country due to the ongoing civil war, repeated episodes of famine, and growing insecurity. After decades of instability, the country has been labeled a “fragile state.” To that end, many people have been forcibly moved to other parts of Africa and countries worldwide.

One of the places where you’d find a huge population of Somali refugees is Ohio. The state houses nearly 75,000 Somali refugees scattered in different parts of central Ohio. For these refugees, housing is one of the biggest challenges that they need to overcome to become rehabilitated in the US.

The housing challenges stem from language barriers, lack of education, large family sizes, and other similar problems. Needless to say, it’s not easy to find a house in Ohio as a Somali refugee, but here are some tips and tricks that can surely help you find one that suits your requirements.

Keep the Budget in Mind

Many refugees face trouble making ends meet and paying the rent on time. This is often the biggest cause of eviction among the refugee community. For this reason, you should sort your finances and budget properly before looking for a suitable house. You should also communicate your rent range to your agent so they can find a house you can afford.

Understand the Local Housing Laws

Understanding the local housing laws can also help prevent unforeseen evictions and other housing problems. You should spend some time understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant so you can always stay within the bounds of the law. If need be, you can also fight the eviction to keep your house.

Speak to the Landlord

It’s important to have a good relationship with your landlord to avoid getting blindsided by an eviction you didn’t see coming. Before getting the house, make sure to speak to your landlord to understand their requirements and communicate all your concerns to them.

Get a House that Can Accommodate the Whole Family

Some refugees also get evicted because they hide their actual family size from the homeowner. This often means that the house is actually not suitable to accommodate such a huge family, which automatically reduces their overall quality of living. As a result, refugees live in cramped spaces and are also forced to evict in case the owner finds out. To avoid this problem, it’s very important to find a house that can accommodate the whole family.

The Somali Community in Ohio Needs Your Help

The Somali community in Central Ohio is always in need of support and help from you. In addition to housing challenges, they also have trouble accessing proper education and securing rewarding jobs.

Somali Community Link is a reputable, non-profit organization that works to support and rehabilitate Somali refugees in Ohio. The organization’s aim is to ensure that the refugees become socially integrated and have a better quality of life in the new country.

Their Somali community resettlement services include housing needs for the Somali community, legal advisory, and education funding.

Visit their website now to learn how you can volunteer or donate to this cause.