Chicago Housing Authority - Wait-List Registration Opening Opening 10/27/2014 until 11/24/2014

I know it has been a while since I posted a resource, but I am back with a big one that needs to be shared with all of Chicago.  For the first time, CHA will simultaneously open three of its waitlists - Family Public Housing, Tenant-Based Housing Choice Voucher (formerly Section 8) and Property Rental Assistance to help fill CHA-owned and assisted rental units as they become available. This is truly a historic opportunity for Chicago.  CHA  invite low-income families and individuals to register.

If you or know someone in the need of affordable housing, please share with them that they will have four weeks to register online - for free. Those who are interested must sign up at www.thechawaitlist.org anytime between Oct. 27, 2014 and Nov. 24, 2014. All registrations received during this period will have an equal chance of being selected for the lottery.  For more information, you can call 312-971-7700.

Earn a Debt Free College Degree from City Colleges of Chicago

Having an advance degree opens up more opportunities to make better pay later on in life.   If you are a Chicago Housing Authority (CHA)  or a Housing Choice Vouchers {formerly section 8} resident and are interested in obtaining a degree or certificate from the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC)-at a low cost, you may want to continue and read this blog post.

The CHA and the CCC has a partnership that will help you build a better future at a low price.    All qualifying adults receiving a housing subsidy from CHA, including Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) households, can participate in CHA’s agreement with the City Colleges of Chicago.  

The basic eligibility requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The public housing resident/HCV tenant must be lease compliant;

• The public housing resident/HCV tenant must attend an Information Session prior to beginning the enrollment process;

• The public housing resident/HCV tenant must have no outstanding debt to CCC at the time of enrollment, this agreement does not pay for any existing debt owed to CCC;

• The public housing resident/HCV tenant, if currently enrolled, must be in good academic standing with CCC;

• If the public housing resident/HCV tenant has received a notice of termination, they are ineligible to register through this program;

• If the selected program accepts financial aid, the student must apply for, and be eligible to receive, federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); and

• Any non-loan financial aid received (grants, scholarships), will be applied to the cost of tuition first; CHA will pay any remaining tuition and/or eligible expenses up-to $4,000 per year (please note CHA will not retroactively pay for courses previously completed or in which the student is currently enrolled).

• This means that residents can attend a wide variety of associate degree, non-credit certificate, and adult education (GED) programs at any of the City Colleges of Chicago campuses.  Eligible expenses that are covered by this partnership includes tuition, required books and/or uniforms, and certification/licensing exams. There are a few eligibility requirements that you must know before you can begin this debt free education.

If you are interested in learning more about this great opportunity, please RSVP to an informational session by calling the CHA/CCC information line at 312-553-2830.  Resources for 2014 tuition assistance are limited, so we hope you register as soon as possible to take advantage of this great opportunity.