by Diana Pando
This month we’re profiling Edgar Barron, who works in our Property Management Department. Edgar is on the front lines of building healthy communities by helping families find affordable apartments in the communities we serve.
How did you end up working at The Resurrection Project and how long have you been with TRP?
I ended up here at TRP after graduating Benito Juarez. I had received a scholarship from McDonald’s that required me to complete community service hours every year. A TRP employee at that time that used to work with students at Juarez referred my friend and she then referred me to TRP. I began interning in 2006.
What makes renting an apartment through The Resurrection Project different?
I feel that what makes renting an apartment from TRP different is that we look out for the best interest of the potential tenant. We want to give them a decent, safe, and sanitary place for them to be able to live in. At the same time we want to make sure that the apartment they are renting is not going to hurt them financially. At the end of the day we want to give them something good that they can afford and make their quality of life better.
How do you hope to impact people through the work that you are doing?
The way that I want to impact the people with my work is by making them see that renting an apartment from us can be a stepping stone to something better. The hope is to have these people rent an affordable apartment where they can be better off financially. So in the future they go through our Financial Wellness classes and eventually move on to buy a home or start a small business.
What is it about the neighborhoods your department serves that you love?
I moved from L.A. to Chicago when I was two years old and ended up in Pilsen and I haven’t left. Pilsen is more than just a neighborhood for me: it’s my home. Growing up I saw Pilsen transform from what it was before to what it is today. I see Little Village and Back of the Yards are very similar to Pilsen, where their residents take pride in their neighborhood because it’s their home. I love that organizations like TRP are trying to keep it that way.
Outside of work what are three fun things you enjoy doing?
I like watching sports, playing video games, and watching movies.
Any final thoughts?
Go Cubs!
 

Return to Nueva Vida April 2014 here.