Housing Assistance

Southwest Organizing Project

In 2013 there were nearly 700 vacant properties in the Reclaiming Southwest Chicago Target Area. SWOP and partner Brinshore Development are purchasing and rehabbing buildings which will then be rented or resold.

The SWOP/Brinshore Reclaiming Southwest Chicago effort seeks to acquire, rehab and reoccupy 100 vacant units within a 3-square mile target area. We have focused our efforts in and around the Chicago Lawn Micro Market Recovery Program (MMRP) area. Over the past three years our work has been responsible for reducing vacant properties in the MMRP from 80 units to 25. To date, SWOP has raised over $11 million for the Reclaiming Southwest Chicago initiative. Buyers and renters will come from a pool of people SWOP is creating; most of these people will be from local institutions or community residents. SWOP offers workshops for those in the pool wanting to live in the community.

Neighborhood Housing Services

NHS is a nonprofit neighborhood revitalization organization committed to helping homeowners and strengthening neighborhoods throughout Chicago, South Suburban Cook County & Elgin. Neighborhood Lending Services (NLS), an NHS-affiliated corporation, is Illinois’ largest nonprofit lender for homeowners and new home buyers. Whether you are interested in free Home Buyer Education classes, a fixed-rate loan to buy a home, would like to fix up your home, or are trying to save your home from foreclosure, NHS has the expert help you need.

Catholic Charities

Our programs offer a continuum of housing options, including temporary/interim housing for homeless individuals and families, longer-term transitional housing, and permanent, affordable housing for seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities. Each of our clients receives an assessment in order to find the best fit for their needs.

Greater Southwest Development Corporation

GSDC provides a wide variety of programs for area residents including financial, housing and job assistance services. These include housing counseling, financial coaching, employment services, income support screening and computer training.
For over 20 years, GSDC has successfully provided high quality rental opportunities for income-qualified seniors at two separate locations in the Chicago Lawn community at Churchview and Lawn Terrace Apartments. Churchview Apartments is also home to a Supportive Living facility. With close to 250 affordable apartments and a waiting list at both buildings, GSDC oversees the property management of all three facilities.