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CHA
Mobility Counseling Program
In partnership with the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), Housing Choice Partners (HCP) works with families that have a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) by providing information and resources to families looking to move to Mobility Areas. This program enables families to use their subsidy to enhance their lives. Families are given information on housing options throughout the region and support services post-move.​ First-time voucher recipients, current HCV participants, or families porting from other housing authorities are all eligible to participate in the CHA/HCP Mobility Counseling Program. ​Full eligibility requirements below.
What is a Mobility Area?
Mobility Areas are Chicago Community Areas that have less than 20% poverty rate and below-median crime rates and offer a variety of benefits including:
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More than twice as many job opportunities than in traditional areas;
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Better opportunities for wealth-building. Children who grow up in Mobility Areas earn 31% more than their parents;
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Better emotional and physical health for children, including lower rates of depression;
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Schools with superior performance in which anywhere from 57% to 94% of students meet or exceed state standards;
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Greater public transportation options; and
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Easier access to healthy food.
Enrolling in CHA Mobility Counseling
1. Confirm Eligibility
To be eligible for the Housing Choice Partners/CHA Mobility Program, you must: ​
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Have your voucher and moving papers from the CHA;
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Have at least 1 child in your household age 16 or younger;
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Have at least 45 days remaining on your voucher;
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Be in good standing with CHA and your current landlord.
Please call the Housing Choice Partners Downtown Office at (312) 386-1009 if you aren't sure what kind of voucher you have or if you have any questions about your eligibility. Please
2. Sign up for a New Participant Orientation
All participants must attend an orientation to enroll in the program.​ Orientations are usually held via Zoom or in person at the Charles A. Hayes Family Investment Center, located at 4859 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL.​ Orientation schedules vary each month. One-on-one orientations are available, as needed and based on staff availability. ​Call (312) 386-1009 for more information or begin the application process online by completing the Mobility Counseling Intake Form.
3. A Mobility Counselor will be Assigned
Mobility Counselors are assigned to work with families in locating a unit in an "Mobility Area" that fits the family's housing and community needs. Families work with their Mobility Counselor through all steps of the leasing process and after moving to transition into their new community.
4. Take Advantage of Other Program Benefits!
Assistance in locating community resources and enrolling children in school
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Open houses and unit search assistance
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Up to $1,000 to be used toward application fees, security deposit, move-in fees, moving trucks, or moving companies
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Support and mediation of any problems during leasing, move-in, or afterward
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Assistance in enrolling your Landlord in the Illinois Housing Opportunity Area Tax Abatement Program*
*The Illinois Housing Opportunity Area Tax Abatement Program allows landlords and building owners to reduce taxes by up to 19% for units leased to HCV holders for up to ten years. Units must be in designated Opportunity Areas and in compliance with all applicable local building codes. Landlords interested in participating in the program can contact HCP Real Estate Specialist, Jessie McDaniels at (312) 386-1009 ext. 202 or schedule a one-on-one virtual visit.
Upcoming Orientation Sessions
What Our Clients Say About HCP
"HCP helped my family out so much. We need this program to stay going. Families get the proper services and they help. My family and I thank you!" - P. Finley
"I fell in love with the HCP Staff when I took my first Mobility Community Tour. I came into the program at a hard time in my life and HCP made me feel like family." -G.Parnell
"This program really helped my family and I find a nice safe area to call home. HCP also helped me with furniture. Thank you for helping my family." -T. Spivy