How we help

CHAD's programs: housing with a heart

In 1983 Community Housing Advocacy and Development(CHAD) was established as a
501(c) (3) in response to a serious need for affordable housing for low- to moderate-income residents of Chicago's western suburbs. CHAD is one of the few nonprofits providing rental housing in the DuPage area. The organization provides housing for more than 1,100 people each year and owns over 386 housing units of all sizes including single family houses, apartments and townhomes.  More than half of our residents are children and more than half of CHAD households are headed by single mothers. CHAD purchases, builds, rents and manages quality housing.

CHAD makes every attempt to work with residents when they are facing legitimate financial difficulties resulting in non-payment of rent.  In addition to CHAD's own Homelessness Prevention Program, CHAD staff link residents to resources within the community including other nonprofit organizations, churches and the county.

Low Cost Housing Rentals
All of CHAD’s rents are below Fair Market Rent, as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD.)  CHAD saves its residents over $700,000 a year by charging these reduced rents. 

Rental Support Program (Formerly Sliding Scale Rental Program, if funding is available)
Approximately 10% of CHAD homes are rented in the Rental Support Program and rent is determined through a sliding scale.  Applicants must be very low-income households.  This Rental Support Program is the only source for the public to gain access to long-term housing rental assistance/subsidy.  These residents are working people who do not fit government and other programs, but still need help.  These households are required to pay only 30% to 40% of their income for rent each month; CHAD subsidizes the remaining portion of the rent. 

Bob Wahlgren Homelessness Prevention Program (if funding is available)
The Bob Wahlgren Homelessness Prevention Program provides one-time rental assistance grants to CHAD residents in emergency situations who would otherwise be evicted because they are unable to pay rent.   CHAD provides up to three months’ rent to residents who are facing job loss, medical illness, major car repairs, or a death in the immediate family.  This fund was recently renamed in honor of Bob Wahlgren, CHAD’s former executive director who retired in May, 2010.

Credit Support Program (if funding is available)

CHAD's Credit Support Program allows rental applicants with credit issues that would normally keep them from qualifying to rent from CHAD.  These applicants are required to participate in a credit and budgeting counseling program to help them learn how to manage their finances and improve their credit.

Housing Choice Voucher Rentals
Approximately 35% of CHAD’s residents (130 households) receive government assistance for housing.  CHAD accepts Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly called Section 8) and is part of the Illinois Housing Support Program ( RHSP).  These programs provide rental assistance/subsidies to low income residents and are administered by the DuPage Housing Authority. 

There are very few housing vouchers available at this time. In addition, many landlords will not accept this voucher. The effect is that, given the great unmet need for affordable housing in DuPage County, and the relatively few households who have a Section 8 voucher, most low-income households must rely on the private market for housing.

Just Homes Program
In 2004, CHAD started Just Homes as an innovative program to create affordable home ownership for families with incomes below 80% of the area median family income.  Just Homes is an equity sharing program for first time home buyers.  The Just Homes Program currently has 29 homes in 13 communities.  

Solo Housing Program
The Solo Housing Program rents furnished single rooms to very low-wage working adults and disabled veterans.