Frequently asked questions

What is Community Housing Advocacy and Development (CHAD)?
CHAD is a 501c3 charitable organization. Our mission is to provide quality affordable housing to low and moderate income individuals and families.  Our main office is located at 531 E. Roosevelt in Wheaton. We own and manage nearly 400 housing units, including apartments, townhomes and single family homes, and save residents nearly $1 million in rent annually.  CHAD homes are located in 29 communities in DuPage, Kane and Cook counties.

Who does CHAD serve?
CHAD serves  an estimated 1,100 low and moderate income individuals each year. More than one-half of these clients are children from households led by single mothers struggling to provide for their families.

I am looking for housing. What do I need to do to rent from CHAD?
Please review available properties at www.chadhousing.org or call our office at (630) 456 - 4452 to schedule an appointment and speak directly with one of our property managers.  CHAD’s office is located at 531 E. Roosevelt Road, Suite 200 in Wheaton.

To apply for housing, all adults who will live in the rental must be present and must bring:

• $25 application fee per adult (cash in exact change or money order)

•  Social Security Card for every adult or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

•  Proof of income (last two pay stubs for all working adults)

•  Picture Identification

All applicants will be screened through a credit check, criminal background check, household income source verification and rental reference check before application is approved.  

What kinds of housing does CHAD have?
CHAD has homes of all sizes, from solo units where residents have their own room and share a common space to seven-bedroom single-family homes, CHAD homes accommodate nearly every family size!

Where does CHAD’s income come from?
CHAD does not receive any government or United Way funding to support low-cost rent.  CHAD’s income comes from the rent residents pay as well as private donations from individuals, banks, foundations, organizations and small businesses.

How are donations spent? 
CHAD spends 94% of dollars raised on program expenses.

How long can residents stay in a CHAD property?
While the average length of stay in CHAD homes is five years, there is no occupany limit. CHAD provides one of the only long-term housing options in the region for low-income families.  As long as clients continue to meet income requirements and are good neighbors, they can stay in their home as long as they like. This flexible arrangement provides stability for children and families.