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Re-Entry Rental Housing Support Demonstration Program

Home is the cornerstone from which people build better lives for themselves and their families. Many individuals re-entering society after incarceration face various barriers that prevent them from obtaining stable and affordable housing including: unemployment, stigma, food insecurity, inadequate healthcare (mental and physical), lack of support, and more. 

People with records, like everyone else, deserve a place to call home and the State of Illinois has recognized that providing housing is essential in facilitating successful reentry and breaking the cycle of recidivism. In 2020, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), in partnership with the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), launched the Re-Entry Rental Housing Support Demonstration Program, also known as the RHS Re-Entry Pilot Program.

How the Program Works

The RHS Re-Entry Pilot Program is a State of Illinois program that provides housing placement and rental subsidies for eligible individuals exiting the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). To qualify, individuals must be seniors (ages 55 and over), those with disabilities, and those ages 35 and over with additional consideration given to individuals who have completed or enrolled in post-secondary educational programming. Potential participants must also have completed in-depth pre-release programming in order to qualify for an IDOC referral to the RHS Re-Entry Program. 

 

As the administrator of the RHS Re-Entry Program in suburban Cook County, HCP currently works with over 90 landlords, families, and formerly incarcerated individuals with extremely low incomes throughout suburban Cook County. HCP is responsible for recruiting and coordinating with local landlords to secure stable housing for participants and for administering the rental assistance payments, which cover the difference in the reasonable rent for the unit and the tenant’s contribution, based on a percentage of household income.

HCP is dedicated to supporting participants in their successful reentry into the community by connecting them with local organizations that can provide resources related to physical and mental health services, employment services, life skills training, and more.

How do Tenants Enroll?

HCP currently supports 25 units in suburban Cook, and will soon be expanding to 35.  In order to qualify for this program, you must be referred to HCP through the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and have completed their pre-release program. 

How do Landlords Enroll?

Landlord partnerships are always welcomed and enrollment for the Rental Housing Support Program is on an ongoing basis. Please contact Mari Valero at (312) 386-1009 x229, or via email for more information.

Help Support the Program - Donate Today!

The RHS Re-Entry Program is a vital initiative that can help build momentum for other programs that support returning citizens as they transition back to their communities. Please help support this program. Consider making a monetary donation that will go to supplying individuals with items to sustain their housing.

Putting Donations to Work:

$25   Helps cover the cost of a welcome sign and basket with cleaning supplies 

$75   Helps cover the cost of new kitchen supplies and small welcome basket.

$100 Helps cover the cost of new bedding, pillows and curtains.

$250 Helps cover the cost of a large welcome basket with various essentials.

For all other types of donations, please contact Mari Valero at (312) 386-1009 x229, or via email.

Additional Resources:

If you or a family member are returning from incarceration and need assistance, please visit our friends at the Safer Foundation to connect with resources, or view the Cook County Re-Entry Resource Guide issued by the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC).

What Participants in the Re-Entry Rental Housing Support Program Have to Say

"This program has been a Godsend to me. I have a clean apartment to live in and my contact at Housing Choice  Partners (HCP) is very supportive. Now I have a stable foundation. I'd like to one day be able to pay it forward. " - T. Bolden 

"I’m humbled and I’m a proud creation of HCP!! This has been a roller coaster journey personally, but it feels good to know that my life matters and I have touched so many people in a positive way!"              - A. Ruddock

Housing Choice Partners •  228 S. Wabash, Suite 500 • Chicago, IL 60604, USA

 (312) 386-1009 (Downtown Office) • (773) 451-0203 (Southside Office)

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