Dalton’s Story

Mar 21, 2024 | Renters Story

Dalton’s apartment isn’t just the place he eats and sleeps – it’s where his family began.  

“My 4-year-old daughter was born in my apartment, and it’s where we’ve lived ever since. It’s sentimental,” he said.  

He never imagined he’d be in the position to lose such a special place, but when his mom passed away, his partner left, and he lost his job last year, he fell behind on rent for the very first time.  

“Everything happened in a two-month span, and it was a very quick transition,” he said. “Dealing with grief and things of that nature, it was pretty difficult to stay on top of things.” 

Knowing his housing was at risk, he began researching his options, all before receiving his eviction summons. By the time he arrived at his first court date, he knew he wanted to speak with an attorney in the Early Resolution Program.  

“I feel like everything was straight to the point. Especially in a difficult time, you don’t want anything else to be even more difficult,” he said. “I knew I was in good hands just from the first email. My LCBH attorney told me exactly what I needed.” 

They worked together to apply for court-based emergency rental assistance and compile all the documents he needed to appear in court. After presenting his case, his landlord agreed to participate in rental assistance, which covered more than $10,000 in back rent. 

“When I found out that checks had been sent, it was a big monkey off my back. Not having to worry, especially when you’re talking about someplace where you live, is huge,” he said. 

 Today, Dalton has returned to work as the dean of students at an elementary school on the Southeast side of Chicago. In his free time, he writes children’s songs and hangs out with his daughter. 

“I’m just grateful that I had the opportunity to get assistance and clean up everything that I had going on and get back on the right track, which I am now,” Dalton said.