Resident Services Intern Rita Icimpaye has been with Champlain Housing Trust for just over a month, and the UVM social work graduate student has already made a big impact.
In her role, she supports Resident Engagement Manager Suey Howe, which can mean a wide variety of things. It’s what made her interested in studying social work in the first place.
“My highlight so far was the block party at Laurentide Apartments. I really felt like I was able to be in the community and have those one-to-one conversations. Get to know the kids and the families.”
In addition to the community events like block parties and coffee hours, Rita also spends a lot of time staffing the food pantry at Susan’s Place in Essex. Opened last year, the pantry provides shelf stable food and other items for residents.
Rita grew up in Burlington. Her parents purchased their home through Champlain Housing Trust’s Shared Equity Program but growing up she didn’t really know much about the organization.
“I was in high school at the time and was familiar with the organization, but I really didn’t understand what they did. Everybody here is so welcoming. I’ve really enjoyed making connections with people here.”
In her short time with CHT she’s already learned a lot about her career as well as her personal goals.
“I’ve been able to learn a lot about housing. I’m thinking about getting my first apartment after college and being here, I’ve learned a lot about how the process works.”
Right now, she’s focused on her role supporting CHT residents and getting prepared to start her career as a social worker.
“I know the populations I want to work with. I’m hoping through this, I can get to know more about those communities and getting to know the people.”