Press Releases

CHA Announces New “Restore Home” Initiative; Major Capital Effort Will Rehabilitate Nearly 200 Vacant Apartments in Small and Medium Buildings in 2024–25

November 22, 2023
The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) announced the new Restore Home initiative at the Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. The initiative is part of the agency’s proposed 2024 budget and capital plan, which will be considered at a special board meeting in December.
A picture of building materials containing the text "Exciting changes are ahead!"
Press Releases

Chicago Housing Authority Launches New Down Payment Assistance Program To Help Families Achieve Their Dreams of Homeownership

October 30, 2023

Samantha Stokes grew up one of four children living under the roof of hard-working parents. Ends didn’t always meet, and she remembers being evicted as a child – something she vowed never to experience as an adult.

A man and woman holding onto oversized key.
Success Stories

Resident Spotlight: Samantha Stokes

October 28, 2023

Former Housing Choice Voucher holder Samantha Stokes grew up one of four children living under the roof of hard-working parents. Ends didn’t always meet, and she remembers being evicted as a child – something she vowed never to experience as an adult.

Samantha Stokes poses with a CHA HOME key
Press Releases

CHA Distributed 5,000 Coats to Families, Children at 16th Annual Operation Warm

October 27, 2023

The Chicago Housing Authority partnered with the national non-profit Operation Warm for the 16th year Saturday at the UIC Forum, handing out 5,000 new winter coats to more than 2,000 families with children living in public housing and participants of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program.

A group of people standing for a picture.
Success Stories

Resident Spotlight: Molly Wilson named to Mayor's Youth Commission

October 23, 2023

CHA resident Molly Wilson was recently named to the 5th cohort of the Mayor’s Youth Commission. The Youth Commission meets monthly to give their input on youth-related City projects and policy. Youth Commissioners are between the ages of 14-19 and were selected through a rigorous application process which saw a record number of applicants from across the city.

Molly Wilson
Success Stories

Warmer Winter for Seniors

October 20, 2023
No one knows the seniors at Armour Square better than Zhuo Jun Yu, who has been living there for 18 years and serves as building president. So when CHA distributed winter coats to residents as part of a new pilot initiative in 2023, he heard about it.
CHA Seniors at Armour Square Apartments in their new winter coats
Press Releases

CHA Receives 32,000 Books From National Book Foundation To Distribute to Youth

August 30, 2023

The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) is a proud recipient of 32,000 books from the National Book Foundation’s “Book Rich Environments” program, and has spent the summer distributing those books at its sites all over Chicago.

A group of kids holding up books.
Press Releases

13th Annual Take Flight College Send-Off Bids Farewell to 180 CHA Students Heading to College

August 8, 2023

About 180 public housing students preparing to embark on college life celebrated with a giant trunk party Wednesday at the Chicago Housing Authority’s 13th annual Take Flight College Send-Off at the United Center.

Teens carrying college supplies posing for a picture.
Success Stories

Resident Spotlight: Demarion Brown Takes Flight

August 8, 2023

More than 180 incoming college freshmen celebrated their successes with a giant trunk party at CHA’s 13th annual Take Flight College Send-Off at the United Center in August 2023.

Demarion Brown (right) poses with his mother at the 2023 Take Flight event
Success Stories

Youth Spotlight: Llyod Matheny

July 29, 2023

When Lloyd Matheny was six days old, he was introduced to his foster mom, who adopted him after caring for him for a year. He grew up in an attentive, loving family on Chicago’s South Side – overcoming a congenital foot ailment. Today, he is a student at National Louis University studying social work, with a passion for poetry and helping others.

Still of Llyod Matheny, Recreation Leader, being interview on CBS News Chicago.