Leslie Klor’s lifelong passion and expertise as an affordable housing advocate is put to use in the service of Marin residents and families as a Housing Navigator volunteer at Community Action Marin.
She is widely known and highly regarded in Marin County for her commitment to affordable housing. Her role as a volunteer is to inform and explain housing options such as section 8, subsidized housing, shared housing and shelters so that people can make informed decisions. Leslie also regularly gives housing presentations all over the county, such as sharing housing resources at San Rafael's first Roommate Matching Event. (shown below.)
As a keen observer of current trends here in Marin County, Leslie is noticing that homelessness is ever increasing particularly among senior women seeing a number of homeless women clients sleeping in their cars. The core problem is that there is still an acute affordable housing shortage. The “not in my backyard people” are still there obstructing new affordable housing developments.
In spite of the hardship she witnesses, Leslie savors many success stories: “My senior client Debbie was ill and staying with her sister. We talked numerous times about her options so that she could be on her own. After some research, I found a senior living community that actually had an immediate opening which is quite rare. I suggested she apply and I coached her on how to advocate for herself and put herself in the best light. With her confidence boosted, she interviewed, met the other residents and was accepted. She has been there for about 6 months and is quite satisfied.
"Not only does she have a place to live but is cultivating friendships among the other residents.
To be housed and among friends is quite a victory!”
– Leslie Klor, Volunteer
Leslie is a great asset to Community Action Marin:
"She provides an invaluable service to our clients. She has helped educate many individuals in what it takes to be a good rental candidate. She loves what she does and she has a fabulous sense of humor. Many clients recognize her name from her many years of dedication to helping people get housing here in Marin County.”
Debbie Brown
Credit Coach/VITA Site Coordinator