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HUD supports many organizations that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people.
HUD is not a direct service provider.

You can speak to a HUD Approved Housing Counselor for advice on your specific housing needs.

Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287.

City of Chicago affordable housing:

• The City of Chicago has a list of affordable housing on their website - Housing Resources in Chicago

HUD Assisted Housing:

• Multifamily Housing
  • HUD provides rental assistance through privately-owned, HUD-assisted multifamily properties. At these properties, the amount of rent that you pay is based on your income.
  • To apply use our resource locator to find participating properties and contact the apartment management office at the property.
• Public Housing
  • Contact your Local Public Housing Authority to inquire about information about public housing programs (Housing Choice Vouchers HUD Facts, Public Housing).
  • Find a list of Public Housing Authority contacts by State or call (800) 955-2232 for help to find your local Public Housing Authority.
• Information for Senior Citizens
• Information for Persons Experiencing Violence
• Information for Veterans. For additional information, please contact the Veterans National Call Center at: 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838)

City of Chicago affordable housing:

• The City of Chicago has a list of affordable housing on their website - Housing Resources in Chicago

State of IL affordable housing:

• IL Housing Search
  This is a free, online resource for renters and property providers in Illinois. Search for affordable, accessible, and market-rate housing that will fit your needs and budget

Persons Experiencing Violence:

• IL Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-877-TO END DV or 1-877-863-6338 (Voice)
• For domestic violence assistance in Chicago, call 3-1-1 for assistance by phone.

HUD Does not provide emergency rental assistance.

For emergency rental assistance:

• Illinois Housing Help Program (statewide rental and utility assistance).
  -Eligible tenants and landlords can apply for the ERA program by contacting any of the agencies.
• Contact IDHS Homeless Prevention Program
• See additional information on ERA programs by using the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Tool
• Contact your local Community Action Agency
• In Chicago and Cook County contact Cook County Legal Aid for Housing & Debt or (855) 956-5763

For long term rental assistance:

Public Housing

• Public Housing provides decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities. HUD provides federal aid to local Public Housing Authorities (PHA) that manage public housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford.
• Eligibility: Public Housing is limited to low-income families and individuals. A Public Housing Authority determines eligibility based on 1) annual gross income, 2) whether you qualify as elderly, a person with disabilities or as a family, and 3) U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
• To apply, contact your local Public Housing Authority.

Housing Choice Voucher (commonly known as Section 8)

• The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program assists low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Housing assistance is provided through HUD on behalf of the family or individual, so participants can find their own housing. You can use an HCV to pay for all or part of the rent.
• Eligibility: A Public Housing Authority will determine eligibility for the housing choice voucher program based on the total annual gross income and family size, U.S. citizenship and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status.
• To apply, contact your local Public Housing Authority. During the application process, a Public Housing Authority will collect information on family income, assets and family composition. The Public Housing Authority will use this information to determine program eligibility and the amount of the housing assistance payment.