Who we help

CHAD provides homes for over 1,100 people each year

From the single mom struggling to make ends meet for her family to the married couple who face numerous health issues to the senior living on a fixed income, CHAD provides long term, quality and affordable homes that meet the various needs of any houeshold.  

Jennifer's Story
Jennifer is a single mom of four girls between the ages of 7 and 17.  She has struggled over the years as a single mom and was even homeless for a time with her kids.  Prior to coming to CHAD, she rented a house which was not well maintained. The family was living with a leaky roof and mold in the basement.  Her youngest daughter had numerous health concerns while living in the house including asthma and chronic ear infections which Jennifer believes were made worse by the bad living conditions.  Jennifer was fired from her job because she often missed work to take care of her sick daughter.  In 2006 DuPage County found that the house did not meet inspection criteria and that she would have to find a new place to live.

Jennifer had a hard time finding a rental home big enough for her family until a friend recommended CHAD.  Jennifer now rents a four bedroom home that is safe and offers enough space for her and her four growing daughters. It has a large yard for the kids to play.
She loves the community which she feels is safe for her children and is within walking distance to their schools.  Her daughter’s health issues have all but disappeared now that she lives in a well cared for home which has resulted in Jennifer not missing as much work, her daughter not missing school and which presents less stress for the entire family.  In addition to working in the registration department at a local hospital, Jennifer recently received a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. She now hopes to pursue her Master’s Degree and to continue providing a safe and happy home for her family. Jennifer says, “Even though I can’t afford to buy a house, CHAD has given me and my family our dream home.”   

Georgia's Story
Georgia is a grandmother of two and has lived in her CHAD home for two years.

  After her marriage of 25 years ended, Georgia had no place to go, so she moved in with her two twin daughters who are now in their thirties. When the grandchildren arrived, Georgia felt it was time to get her own place and was able to move into a CHAD home with help from a social service agency.  Georgia suffers from a variety of health issues including emphysema, diabetes, depression, sleep apnea, neuropathy, and hernias. She works part time in telephone sales although her health issues and lack of transportation make working challenging for her.  Georgia struggles to get by on a part time salary.  When she first moved in to her CHAD home she had troubles paying her rent and she expected to get evicted.  Instead, CHAD set up a payment plan for her and even was able to move her into another program to lower her rent payments. 

Georgia feels safe in her home and likes how well maintained her apartment is. She is proud that she is able to pay her rent on time and still has money for other things she needs.  She likes most of all that she no longer worries about becoming homeless.