A Message from the Acting CEO

Mar 27, 2020

To Our Partners:

It is my hope that you are safe and healthy as we confront the challenges facing every one of us during this time. As you know, Mayor Lightfoot joined Governor Pritzker to announce the statewide order requiring all residents to stay at home, except for essential needs, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This order will continue at least through April 7. This order was necessary to protect our residents and prevent further spread of the virus.

The health and safety of all our residents remains the highest priority of CHA and along with city departments and sister agencies, CHA is following the lead of the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) when it comes to providing information, especially about the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the City’s comprehensive response to COVID-19, CHA stands with Mayor Lightfoot in continuing to offer life-saving information, support and resources to our residents in these unsettling times.

While CHA offices are closed to the public, we continue to operate and provide all essential services to CHA families and seniors. I wanted to take a moment to update you on some of our key efforts in response to the COVID-19 outbreak:

Resident Communication: CHA and its property management firms and social service partners are communicating often with residents and providing them with lifesaving information they need to protect themselves from COVID-19, using direct communications and signage reminding residents to take precautions against the virus. These details are translated into 12 languages representing the diverse populations we serve.
Senior Support: People over 60 are among the most susceptible to COVID-19 and we have increased engagement with our seniors with frequent communication and increased assessments of the home-based services we provide, such as meal service.
Building Safety and Cleanliness: CHA’s property management firms are performing twice-daily cleanings and disinfecting of common areas and commonly touched surfaces to prevent the spread of harmful germs. In addition, we have contractors on standby if more extensive cleaning is necessary.
Closed Common Areas: Across all CHA properties, all community rooms, fitness centers, and other group gathering spaces are now closed. In addition, all events and group meetings have been suspended.
Continuity of Services: While CHA and HCV offices are closed to the general public,most staff are teleworking and all essential services are being provided to residents, voucher households and applicants via email and phone.
Reinforcing Protective Measures: CHA is posting translated signage in all of its buildings, reminding residents of the dangers of COVID-19 and the vital importance of social distancing.

Our partnership is essential to CHA’s work and mission and I remain grateful for your continued support – we are in this together. We encourage everyone to stay up to date on the latest news and guidance on COVID-19 by visiting www.Chicago.gov/coronavirus.

Regards,

James L. Bebley
Acting CEO