Housing Opportunity Program (HOP)

With more than 70 neighborhoods in Chicago, finding the one that’s right for you can be challenging. CHA’s Housing Opportunity Program (HOP) can help. Through HOP, families with vouchers move to high-quality neighborhoods in Chicago. CHA has designated a number of these neighborhoods as Opportunity Communities. Opportunity Communities have been rated within 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.

Finding a safe neighborhood that includes good amenities gives families the stability they need to focus on what matters in life—their children’s education, starting a new career or exploring their other ambitions.

How the Program Works

Each HOP family works with an advisor who helps the family identify what they want and need in terms of housing and community services. The advisor will then assist the family in locating housing in Opportunity Communities that can satisfy a family’s needs. The family will work with their advisor before, during and after their move to overcome any barriers such as credit issues and transportation. The advisor can also help families utilize a security deposit loan program for those who qualify.

Program Features

Free credit report
Tenant education (e.g., workshops on landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities and household budgeting)
Property Owner/Manager referrals and invitations to open houses
Transportation to view units in Opportunity Communities
Post-move support

Program Requirements

To apply for the HOP, an HCV Program Participant must do the following:

Be a Participant in the HCV Program for at least one year
Be in good standing with the HCV Program (including being compliant with all HCV Program rules and regulations)
Sign an agreement with CHA committing to move to an Opportunity Community
Attend two HOP workshops
Actively search for housing on their own in Opportunity Communities

Find out More

CHA representatives present information about HOP at briefings and re-examination interviews. Families with vouchers may also find out more about the program by attending an information session held at any of CHA’s Regional Offices. Registration is not required. Refer to the HCVP Event Calendar for a schedule.

Downloads:

Housing Opportunity Map