Home Options (HO) is a program that facilitates homeownership and housing alternatives for people with disabilities such as paralysis, mental retardation and traumatic brain injury. It accomplishes this “facilitation” by providing information and referral, credit and homeownership counseling, technical assistance with applications and processes, negotiations, resource development and advocacy. HO utilizes community “partners” and supports such as: the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) to provide first-time homebuyers with financial assistance in the forms of: “forgive-able” (after 5 years’ residence) “down- payments” to reduce the price of a home and grants for renovation and rehabilitation to make the home accessible. HO, also, forges new and creative collaborations with developers, state and local officials, financial institutions and communities for the purpose of developing a variety of housing alternatives and supports. HO’s broad vision and mission offers housing and security to a population, marginalized by entitlement systems. Home Options is a model for accessibility, supported living, independence and community redevelopment for the nation.

There is a growing need for housing and housing related services for a widening array of individuals with disabilities.  People with mild and moderate levels of disabilities or who have acquired disabilities as a result of war, violent crime, accident or illness have not been eligible for government supported programs even though they may meet low income requirements.  There appears to be a “gap” in available supports and considerations for people with acquired disabilities, such as veterans with disabilities, people with traumatic brain injury, etc., as well as for people, born with disabilities, that are not considered “substantial”, according to the federal definition of developmental disabilities. 

 Home Options can remove artificial and arbitrary obstacles in housing development for people with disabilities. In the near future, Home Options plans to work, in collaboration with community partners who will provide:

1. Development/identification of housing/property;
2. Financing of mortgage, repairs, rehabilitation;
3. Services such a legal, accounting, realty, inspection, construction

As resources and funding become available, Home options will provide:

1.    Information and referral, including compilation of a Housing Resource Directory for people with disabilities in Cook County, Illinois

2.    Marketing and identification of consumers, eligibility screening and determination

3.    Credit counseling

4.    Service coordination of renovation, community supports and treatment

5.    Homeownership counseling, independent life skills training, literacy and GED

6.    Ongoing case management, advocacy and loss prevention

Housing Specialists:

Dennis Howard
Tel : (773) 471-4705

Shirley Perez
Tel : (773) 471-4704