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CHAD Changes its name to.....CHAD!

The Board of Directors of Community Housing Association of DuPage (CHAD) recently voted to change the name of the organization to Community Housing Advocacy and Development (CHAD).  This name change was made to more accurately reflect the mission and geographic service area of CHAD which now extends into areas outside DuPage County. 

In 1983 CHAD was established to provide affordable housing to low and moderate income families in DuPage County.  Today CHAD owns nearly 400 homes across DuPage County as well as in Aurora, Hillside and South Elgin. 

According to CHAD’s Board President, David Ware, “CHAD’s Board of Directors believes that this name change will help the community better understand the impact this organization makes and the services it provides.”

“With more and more households affected by unemployment and pay cuts, CHAD’s services are more important than ever.  We must continue to reach out to the community and engage new volunteers, donors and friends to help grow CHAD’s services and meet the increasing demand for affordable housing,” says Paul Chedda, CHAD’s Executive Director.

Not only does CHAD provide affordable housing, CHAD also advocates for the availability and quality of affordable housing and the rights of families in need. It is for this reason the Board of Directors felt it was important to include “advocacy” in CHAD’s name. Additionally, the use of the term “development” in CHAD’s name indicates the organization’s past and present intent to obtain more housing units for residents.

CHAD’s mission to provide affordable housing to families and individuals in need will not change.  In fact, the organization will provide over $700,000 in rental assistance to more than 1,100 people this year alone. More than half of the households living in CHAD homes are single moms struggling to make ends meet and provide a safe and stable home for their children. In addition, CHAD has programs to address the needs of military veterans and residents who are facing financial crisis.

CHAD featured on Naperville Communtiy Television, Channel17!

Click HERE to view a short video about how CHAD helps people in the community!

Affordable Housing Month Brings Awareness to Housing Crisis in the DuPage Area

Governor Quinn has declared March is Affordable Housing Month in Illinois in order to raise awareness about housing issues.  With high long-term unemployment, stagnant wages, and the foreclosure crisis continuing, the demand for decent affordable housing is growing. 

According to the most recent U.S. census estimates, 1.7 million households in Illinois, or 37% of all households, have a housing affordability problem because they have to spend more than 30% of their income on renting or owning a place to live.  Additionally, the number of families in DuPage County who pay more than 30% of their household income on housing costs has increased by 44% since 2000. 

According to the “Fact Sheet: Suburban Chicago” published by the Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings, there are over 45,000 people living in poverty in DuPage County (43% increase from 2000) and over 26,000 people unemployed (65% increase from 2000).

In Illinois, the average amount a household must earn to afford a two-bedroom apartment without having an affordability problem is $17.44 per hour or over $35,000 per year.  We know that many residents in Chicago’s western suburbs do not come close to that salary.  In fact, the annual household income of a CHAD household is just $23,000 per year. 

Community Housing Advocacy & Development (CHAD) provides affordable housing to more than 1,100 people each year across DuPage County and in the communities of Aurora, Hillside and South Elgin.  More than half of the families in CHAD’s homes are headed by single moms, struggling to make ends meet and provide for their families.  More than half of people living in CHAD homes are children. 

“We must bring awareness to the housing crisis facing many families in the western suburbs.  This crisis affects the entire community and we must work together to ensure all families have a safe and affordable home,” said Paul Chedda, Executive Director of CHAD.

“More and more, we realize that having quality affordable housing is essential for good health, job stability, and being able to take advantage of other opportunities presented to us,” said Sharon Legenza, Executive Director of Housing Action Illinois.

ILLINOIS AFFORDABLE HOUSING MONTH is coordinated by Housing Action Illinois, a statewide coalition of more than 150 organizations formed to protect and expand affordable housing.


CHAD Makes its TV Debut!
CHAD was live on TV last week with a spot on Naperville Cable Channel 17!  This spotlight with CHAD Executive Director Paul Chedda, CHAD Director of Donor Relations Melissa Schmitz and CHAD resident Romunda Wells will help get the word out about the impact CHAD makes on the community. Check out the video here!