Help the Ovallos family secure stable housing

I want to introduce you to the Ovallos family - a courageous group of Venezuelan refugees who embarked on an incredible journey to seek safety and a brighter future. I had the privilege of meeting Carolina and her family just a month ago, and their story has deeply touched my heart. Today, I am reaching out to you with an urgent plea for help to support this family in their pursuit of a better life.

The Ovallos family's journey to freedom has been nothing short of extraordinary. They fled their homeland, traversed over three months on foot and aboard cargo trains, and cut through deserts and jungles. Their determination and resilience are awe-inspiring, as they navigated countless challenges and uncertainties, all in search of safety and the promise of a new beginning.

Upon their arrival in the United States, they were bussed to Chicago, where their hardships persisted. Currently, the Ovallos family, along with countless other asylum seekers, find themselves living in police stations, airport terminals, and makeshift shelters. These conditions are far from ideal - overcrowded shelters, strict regulations limiting their freedom, and sometimes, moldy or insufficient food.

Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope. Thanks to the Asylum Seekers Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ASERAP) in Chicago, the Ovallos family qualifies for six months of rental assistance. This lifeline, provided by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), is designed to support asylum seekers who arrived in Illinois from Texas.

The family is on the verge of securing a place they can call home, with a compassionate landlord willing to rent to them. However, there's one hurdle they need to overcome - a $1,600 deposit required before they can sign the lease. I've personally spoken to the landlord, and together, we're determined to make this happen for them. Our goal is to meet this weekend with a check ready to begin the rental process.

When I met the Ovallos family, I couldn't help but reflect on my own family's journey to this country. I remember the challenges we faced and the kindness of strangers who helped us find our footing in a new land. It's this memory that drives me to extend a helping hand to this remarkable family today.

By donating to this GoFundMe campaign, you are directly impacting the lives of the Ovallos family, enabling them to start their new life on the right foot. Our hope is to raise the entire $1,600 deposit needed for their rental agreement. Any additional funds raised will go directly to the Ovallos family to support their immediate needs as they settle into their new home.

Here's a message from the family:

Hola amigos somos una familia Venezolana de 8 personas la cual estamos en un refugio y nos salio un beneficio de una ayuda para una casa la cual no tenemos nada para mudarnos para perdile una ayuda de ayurdanos con cualquier cosa.

Translation: Hello, friends! We are a Venezuelan family of 8 people, currently residing in a shelter. We have been fortunate to receive assistance for a new home, but we have nothing to move with. We kindly ask for your help with anything you can offer.

Let's come together as a community and show the Ovallos family that they are not alone on this journey. Your generosity can provide them with a safe and stable place to call home, ensuring that they can begin rebuilding their lives with hope, dignity, and a brighter future.

Your support, whether big or small, is a beacon of hope for the Ovallos family. Together, we can make a profound difference in their lives and help them take their first step towards a new beginning. Thank you for your kindness and compassion.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Diego Salinas