CSO, Inc. coordinates a homeownership program sponsored and funded by the City of Chicago’s Department on Housing (DOH). Eligible applicants for the Home Options Program include both children and adults with developmental disabilities as well as people with mobility disabilities having income restrictions and credit standards that apply. Grants totaling $20,000 ($12,000 and $8,000 respectfully) are provided by the DOH and Federal Home Loan Bank. These grants are “forgive-able” second mortgages that can be used as down payments and, effectively used to reduce the purchase prices of homes. CSO, Inc. screens applicants for disability and income eligibility.

Home Options assists individuals in evaluating credit worthiness and completing applications to DOH, banks and government programs.  CSO, Inc. then refers applicants to real estate and legal consultants, credit and homeownership counseling, home inspectors, accessibility modification and in-home support services.   CSO, Inc. has assisted many participants with disabilities and their families to purchase their own homes. As of October 29, 2007.  Sixty (60) homes have been purchased through Home Options, and the numbers continue to grow. View Complete Statistics.

CSO, Inc. has expanded its efforts to disseminate information about available housing resources and services to aid development of affordable and accessible housing for people with disabilities. The Home Options program through it's founder (Dennis Howard), is a participant on the Chicago Housing Development Advisory Committee. Home Options aggressively promotes the development of consumer-owned and controlled group homes among members of it's Parent, Advocate and Support Group (PASG).

CSO, Inc. also utilizes HUD’s Section 8 Program, Fannie Mae products (such as Home Choice), support available from the Federal Home Loan Bank and various corporate and foundation programs to maximize opportunities and benefits available to people with disabilities.

With the support of the Illinois Department of Human Services Systems Change Grant, CSO, Inc. is launching the Chicago Housing Access and Resource Management (CHARM) Program. CHARM will combine the use of technology and human resources to promote independence and self-sufficiency for people with disabilities through information, education, technical assistance and advocacy regarding housing. Look for future announcements on this Website and CSO, Inc publication's.

Housing Specialists:

Dennis Howard
Tel : (773) 884-1000  Ext. 4616
Email : dhoward@cso1.org

Shirley Perez
Tel : (773) 884-1000  Ext. 4615
Email : sperez@cso1.org