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Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Chicago Housing Authority opens up their wait lists for affordable housing. Registration available - Oct. 27th to Nov 24th




CHA helps build strong, vibrant communities throughout the city in partnership with a host of key stakeholders. As the largest owner of rental housing in Chicago, CHA provides homes to more than 50,000 people. CHA has almost 9,500 senior apartments and more than 7,000 units of family housing. It also oversees 35,000 Housing Choice Vouchers that allow low-income families to rent in the private market. 










2014 Waitlist Frequently Asked Questions

What is CHA’s Waitlist Lottery?

CHA’s waitlist lottery is used to fill affordable CHA-owned and assisted units in the City of Chicago as they become available. Names will be randomly selected using a lottery and placed on CHA’s waitlist. Those selected from the lottery will be contacted for housing assistance as it becomes available.
How do I register for the Waitlist Lottery?

You must register online by completing CHA’s waitlist lottery registration form at www.thechawaitlist.org. The registration period runs four weeks from October 27 through November 24, 2014. All registration forms received between these dates will be treated equally in the lottery. Registration forms will not be accepted after 11:59 p.m. on November 24, 2014.
If you are a person with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete the online form, please call 312-971-7700.

Do I have to pay to register for the lottery?

No, it’s free. You are NOT required to pay a fee to register for CHA’s waitlist lottery.

What is the difference between CHA’s three waitlists?

For the first time, CHA will open all three of its waitlists at one time—Family Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher (formerly Section 8), and Property Rental Assistance.
• The Family Public Housing program provides affordable housing assistance to low income individuals and families in properties owned and operated by the CHA.
• The Housing Choice Voucher program provides housing assistance to low income individuals and families using a voucher in the private rental market (voucher is provided to applicant).
• The Property Rental Assistance program provides housing assistance to low income individuals and families using a property based voucher in eligible properties (voucher is provided to landlord for specific unit).

Can I register more than once for any of the waitlists?

No. Duplicate registration forms will not be accepted.

May I register for all three waitlists or am I required to register for only one waitlist?

You may register for one, two, or all three waitlist lotteries.

Is it possible to be selected for more than one waitlist if I register for two or all three?


Yes. It’s possible to be selected for more than one waitlist. You will be contacted if you reach the top of any of the waitlists.

If selected for a waitlist, do I automatically qualify for housing?


No. If selected for a waitlist, you will be screened to confirm that you meet the basic requirements of the program for which you are applying. Additionally, you must meet the
following requirements:
• Must be 18 years of age or older;
• Must meet income guidelines as set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The maximum
income for a family of four is $57,900 (or 80% of Area Median Income);
• Must meet eligibility guidelines found in CHA’s Administrative Plan or Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy. Visit thecha.org/policies to view or download these documents.

I do not have a personal computer. How can I register for the waitlist lottery?

You can register online using a smartphone or tablet. You may also visit any Chicago Public Library branch which provides computers with free access to the internet. If you are a person with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete the online form, please call 312-971-7700.

I’m already a public housing resident that lives in a CHA property (family, scattered site, or mixed-income), should I register for the waitlist?

If you are the head of household already living in a public housing unit, your registration form will not be accepted. You may, however, register for the HCV and/or PRA program.

I currently have a voucher, should I register for the waitlist?


If you are a head of household you may register for the Family Public Housing waitlist. If you register for the Housing Choice Voucher waitlist your registration form will not be accepted.

What if I have other questions?


If you have additional questions, please call 312-971-7700.
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It was a pleasure to help 183 people sign up for the CHA wait list, hopefully the beginning of the process will assist the families, and individuals we assisted!

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