Renting a home isn't always smooth sailing, but the STAR program at SOS can help give residents the knowledge and confidence they need to successfully navigate the rental market waters, and improve renting experiences.
The program's name stands for Supporting Tenancy through Action and Resources, and was created by the Nanaimo Women's Centre. This is the second year the free workshops have been running at SOS, facilitated by SOS emergency assistance co-ordinator Sarah Chahley. Chahley said the program does teach valuable skills related to renting, but it's more than that.
"When I took the Star Program facilitator training course, I saw more than just learning about tenancy," she said. "I saw life skills that apply to other aspects of daily living." The next workshop is scheduled to take place March 21-24, from 1-4 p.m. at SOS in Parksville. The classes are interactive and fun and cover topics such as budgeting, living with others and tenancy rights. Upon successful completion, a certificate is issued. The workshop is open to all local residents 16 years of age or older. To register call SOS at 250-248-2093. For more information on SOS visit www.sosd69.com.
— Submitted by Lissa Alexander, marketing co-ordinator at SOS