LiveSteady: A Teacher’s Perspective

Shelterwell’s tenant education program, LiveSteady, launched in September 2023. Recently, we sat down with Shelterwell’s client advocates, Gwen Tipton and Karen Martinez, to learn how LiveSteady is reshaping lives and equipping informed, engaged renters. Through their firsthand experiences, we explore the tangible benefits of tenant education as clients work to achieve housing stability.

The LiveSteady curriculum includes seven lessons on topics such as financial management, searching and applying for housing, home maintenance, communication skills, and overcoming challenges. What is your favorite lesson to teach?

Gwen: Lesson Two, “Finding a Rental,” is my favorite. It provides guidance and resources on how to effectively search for and secure a rental property, build a budget, and prepare for the application and move-in process. It teaches participants to better understand a rental's advertised cost and the actual cost. This lesson also covers important topics such as tenants’ rights and responsibilities, lease agreements, and landlord-tenant laws.

Karen: Lesson Two is also my favorite. There is an activity within the lesson that discusses move-in specials, and you can just see the young adult participants have an "ah-ha" moment when they realize how misleading the advertisement is and how much it would actually cost to move into that rental.

Why do you feel LiveSteady is essential for current and future renters?

Gwen: Our tenant education program has several benefits for both tenants and landlords, such as reducing misunderstandings and disagreements. It helps improve communication and trust and empowers tenants to communicate their needs and concerns with their landlords. Landlords can feel confident renting to LiveSteady graduates, knowing they have the training to succeed.

Karen: LiveSteady teaches individuals the basics of adulting. It is something I wish I had been taught when I was in high school and something I truly believe should be taught to all high school seniors.

As client advocates at Shelterwell, you teach LiveSteady on-site at partnering nonprofits, including Pivot, Sisu, SidexSide, ReMerge, RestoreOKC, and Youth and Family Services. You've been able to serve clients from diverse walks of life. What has been the most impactful thing you've heard from a client? 

Karen: One of the most impactful things I've heard from the LiveSteady participants has been, "I wish I had known this when I first moved out on my own." It's heartbreaking, yet reassuring, to know they will walk away more informed and better prepared individuals.

Gwen: A client commented that learning about the eviction process was most helpful because they discovered they don't have to pack and move if a 5-day notice is placed on their door. They learned that eviction is a legal process, and through LiveSteady, they learned what to do should that happen in the future.

Clients learn a great deal while participating in LiveSteady. What advice would you give participants after completing the LiveSteady curriculum? 

Gwen: I would advise participants to review and understand their lease agreement, and keep accurate records of maintenance requests and payments. Tenants should also build a positive relationship with their landlords by being respectful and courteous, paying their rent on time, and reporting any issues in a timely manner. They should stay informed and knowledgeable about their rights and responsibilities as tenants and know the local laws.

Karen: Follow Shelterwell on all social media platforms to learn more about ways they can stay in-the-know on all things LiveSteady, including tips, tricks, and resources.

Shelterwell is expanding LiveSteady into Oklahoma City high schools this fall. What are you most looking forward to while working with these students?

Karen: Getting to know the students, building rapport, and offering the invaluable tenant education that is LiveSteady.

Gwen: I'm mostly looking forward to building meaningful relationships with the students and providing them with a sense of stability and consistency. I'm excited to work with the students to identify their strengths and goals and empower them with the tools and knowledge to become successful first-time renters or roommates. My goal is to help them develop resilience, confidence, and a sense of hope for their future.

Where do you see LiveSteady in five years?

Gwen: I would like to see LiveSteady expand into more schools across Oklahoma City and surrounding areas, reaching even more students who are struggling with homelessness and poverty. It would be awesome for the program to become established with a strong reputation for its effectiveness. I envision LiveSteady being offered in eviction court. So, the goal would be when a participant completes the course it would allow for an eviction to be removed from the tenant's record. We would love for our LiveSteady program to be offered via Zoom in the future as well.

What about LiveSteady participants? What is your hope for them?

Karen: I hope they will have more housing opportunities and achieve housing stability. I hope to see the growth and success that can stem from having a stable home.

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