Information: Stable Housing
Finding housing
Waitlists for housing programs can be very long. These links are for searching on your own. Lower on this webpage are organizations that may help you with housing search.
Housing Authority of Cook County
Housing Choice Vouchers, Project Based Vouchers, and other HACC programs
Illinois Housing Search
This is a free, online resource for renters. For additional assistance, call 1.877.428.8844 (toll free) Monday-Friday 8am-7pm Central. Dial 7-1-1 for TTY.
Reporting unsafe living conditions
- Call 311 or go to website.
- Submit request via phone or online, provide details about the unsafe condition. Write down request number.
- You can remain anonymous when filing report
- Check status of your request using the request number, on the 311 website or by calling 311.
- Know your tenant rights – use the link to Rentervention or another resource to learn about your rights and access other tenant resources in Chicago
Call 311
Dial 3-1-1 from any phone, use the CHI311 App, or click on this link to submit a building viloation request online. On bottom of webpage, naviagte to Service Request Categories, Select Homes and Buildings.
Rentervention
Rentervention is a free resource provided by LCBH for Chicago renters facing housing issues.
Temporary housing - shelters
Call 312-971-4178, All Chicago
Central service for shelter and housing in Chicago.
Hesed House
For immediate help call (630) 897-2156
Call 311
If you need immediate shelter in Chicago, call 3-1-1 to be connected with an available bed and arranged transportation. You can also go to any hospital emergency room or police station to get a referral and transportation assistance.
Finding housing - more resources
Tips: Apply to Multiple Programs: Given the high demand and long waitlists, it is advisable to apply for housing through different programs and agencies. Use Online Search Tools: Websites like ILHousingSearch.org and the IHDA’s online search are invaluable for locating properties that meet your income and needs. Check Waitlist Times: Be prepared for potentially long wait times for public housing and vouchers. You can check the CHA website for information about waitlist times.
Chinese American Service League (CASL)
As a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, CASL offers housing and financial services to families and individuals facing barriers such as limited English, low income, or recent immigration. (312) 791-0418.
CEDA
CEDA’s HUD-certified housing counselors provide help with foreclosure prevention, pre-purchase, post-purchase, rental counseling, and financial counseling. (312) 288-8010
Catholic Charities- housing for seniors
Residential communities for seniors across Chicago and Suburban Cook County. (312) 655-7440
Mercy Housing
With questions about low-income assistance or anything else, please contact the corporate office at 866-338-0557.
Resources for Veterans
If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to financial hardship, unemployment, addiction, depression, or transition from jail, click on link or call 312-569-5750
Sarah's Circle, Services for Women
Housing assistance, case management, referral services. (773)-728-1014
The information is adapted from text generated by Gemini.” Gemini, Google, 22 September 2025 and from OpenAI on 12 December 2025 from “best options to find low income housing in chicago” and “how do i report unsafe living conditions in Chicago illinois” prompt.
This information provides no warranties regarding the accuracy or application of its content, disclaims responsibility for its use, and does not offer medical or legal advice. It does not endorse specific products or therapies, mandate medical care, or represent the standard of care. The information may not be continually updated, and it is not a substitute for the professional judgment of a treating provider. Provided “as is,” it makes no express or implied warranties, assumes no responsibility for any harm arising from its use, and disclaims liability for errors or omissions.
