Housing Opportunity Program (HOP)

There are 77 neighborhoods in Chicago, so finding the one that’s right for you can be challenging. The CHA’s Housing Opportunity Program (HOP) helps families with vouchers to move to Opportunity Communities. Opportunity Communities are areas in the city of Chicago that have been rated as the top 40 communities based on quality of life features such as low poverty rates, good community services and the presence of business and job opportunities. Families who move to Opportunity Neighborhoods often find better schools, less violent crime and better amenities such as transportation, recreational facilities and shopping. Finding a community that is safe and secure and has the right mix of services gives families the stability they need to put down roots and begin to focus on what matters in life—their children’s education, starting a new career or another life’s ambition.

How the Program Works

Families who enroll in HOP are assigned a Family Advisor who helps the family to identify their needs and their wants in terms of housing and community services and then assists them in locating housing in Opportunity Communities that fit the bill. The Family Advisor works with the family before, during and after the move, helping them to overcome any barriers such as credit issues and transportation. There is also a security deposit loan program for families who qualify.

Program Features

Other HOP services include:

A free credit report
Tenant education, including workshops on landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities and household budgeting
Landlord referrals and invitations to Open Houses
Transportation to view units in Opportunity Neighborhoods, if needed
Post-move support

Program Requirements

To qualify for HOP, you must:

Be a participant in the Housing Choice Voucher Program for at least one year
Be in compliance with program rules
Sign an enrollment agreement with the CHA, which outlines your commitment to move to an Opportunity Community
Attend two HOP workshops
Actively search for housing on your own in Opportunity Communities

Find out more

Information about HOP is distributed at briefings and at re-certification interviews. Families with vouchers may also find out more about the program, by attending an information session held at the CHA’s central and/or satellite offices. Registration is not required. Refer to the Special Programs Calendar for a schedule.

Downloads:

Housing Opportunity Map
Special Programs Interest Form