I was a low income renter for many years. I have lived in several states including Oregon, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Washington, California and Nebraska. I was a client of several different housing programs and spent time on the waiting. When I learned that Chicago, Illinois had started accepting applications for the author program, I decided to take a look and tell the public what I thought.
Chicago’s author program is similar to those in other states and cities. According to the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), there are two low-income rental programs. The first program dictates that renters must live in apartment complexes (projects) or neighborhoods to receive rental assistance. These renters are very few, but live in high crime or otherwise comfortable areas. This proposal has a list, but it is short and long and can be approved and accepted in the apartment. The second program is the Choice Chicago Housing Voucher Program. Renters in this program are given a voucher that promises to pay a portion of the rent to the owners of the CHA. This program allows renters to choose any apartment or house to rent where the landlord agrees to accept CHA payments.
Chicago’s housing programs are basically the same as programs in housing authorities around the country. Years ago in Oklahoma I was the pregnant wife of a wheelchair bound man. We got on the housing authorities waiting list and after a month or so we were approved for help. We were approved for the first project, and were told where we were to live. It was a low-income apartment complex in the worst areas of the city. We are excited to at least have a nice home.
We tried to ignore the drugs around in the parking lot and across the street in a convenient location. They tried to ignore the constant cries of parents to children and husbands to wives at all hours of the day and night. – except when the violence broke out so bad we had to call 911. We made sure to give drug dealers guns to the boys when the police showed up. Efforts to stop the crime were futile. By using a video camera, my husband is taking the risk of taping drugs. After a scary stand with the traffickers (who caught him taping), we were able to give the police information. Nothing is done. This is the type of life that low renters are forced into in the apartment units in the project. Chicago is no different; so many renters want the option of leaving their homes and living somewhere safe.
The author’s program, too many low-income, represents a certain freedom and dignity. That is, until they are first approved for the program. This program is certainly superior to the other, but far from it. I spent most of my time on the weekend program in Oregon. When a renter is given a voucher, a term is given to use it. This varies with different housing authorities, but is usually between 2 and 6 months. This is how long it takes to find a landlord who is going to accept a sponsor and is willing to make any changes in the rental unit< /a> as required by the housing authority. Unfortunately, many lawyers do not want to take the initiative.
Likely Page Break The rental units that can be rented with the authorities are usually poorly maintained and/or in unsafe areas. It’s time to call the landlord and ask if they are going to accept tenants. There have been times when I’ve spent hours on phone calls powerhouses, only to be told they won each time. T takes the author. Then, looking for a rental that is friendly to the caller often has an offense. If you want to do the work to find rental debt, the program is still for you. The opportunity to leave projects and find your own place can be very liberating for your family.
Chicago allows access to the voucher program on a lottery basis, according to the CHA website, www.rentbetter.com. Those who wish to be in this program should apply online at www.rentbetter.com or pick up applications at the City of Chicago College Student Services Centers, Chicago Department of Human Services Centers, Chicago Park District Field Houses, or Chicago Public Libraries. The application deadline is May 15, 2008 so you want to get your application in right away. CHA will select 40,000 prospective listeners, so be aware that even if you are selected, it may be some time before you are released.
If they are selected for the author’s program, they are prepared for many rejections from the evil ones. You may want to ask the CHA what is required of owners who accept sponsorship. This means that if the owner does not yet want to contact the program and information; You are ready to tell him what he needs to know. The last place I rented in Oregon was from an owner who never came across a promotional program. When I explained the process to them the author would take it. The apartment was nothing fancy, but it was in a safe, friendly neighborhood, and well maintained. Whatever you do, don’t get discouraged if you get positive responses less than you call around. If you look you will find a place to rent to meet your needs – even if it does not have a pool and a fitness center !
Sources:
It is the authority of Chicago
http://www.rentbetter.com
Most of the information in this article has been gathered from years of personal experience.
