The Ultimate Guide to DuPage County Affordable Housing
5 Programs Every Resident Should Know
Housing shouldn't be a luxury: it's a basic right that every DuPage County resident deserves. Too many of our neighbors are struggling with rent, facing eviction, or living in unsafe conditions because they can't access the housing programs that already exist.
I'm here to change that. As your candidate for County Board, I believe information is power, and every resident should know exactly what resources are available to them. Here are the five most important affordable housing programs in DuPage County that can make the difference between homelessness and stability.
1. Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the federal government's primary tool for helping very low-income families, elderly residents, and people with disabilities afford decent housing in the private market. The DuPage Housing Authority administers this program locally, providing vouchers that allow participants to choose their own housing: including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments: while paying only 30% of their income toward rent. If you're struggling to afford market-rate housing, this program could cut your rent in half or more.
Contact: DuPage Housing Authority at 630-690-3555 for applications and waitlist information.
2. Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)
DuPage Pads operates the largest supportive housing program in our county with 180 apartment units specifically designed for individuals, families, and veterans who've experienced chronic homelessness. This isn't just about putting a roof over someone's head: PSH provides subsidized housing combined with 24-hour crisis intervention, comprehensive case management, mental health and addiction services, and help navigating public benefits. To qualify, participants must have a permanent documented disability and at least one year of documented homelessness (or four separate episodes within three years).
Provider: DuPage Pads, the county's leading supportive housing organization.
3. Housing Now Program
When someone experiences homelessness for the first time, every day counts: and that's where Housing Now steps in. This DuPagePads initiative gets people into permanent housing quickly, then provides the support they need to stay housed. Participants receive help with move-in costs like security deposits, ongoing rental assistance, and a full year of case management focused on building the skills and connections needed for long-term housing stability. The goal isn't just immediate relief: it's preventing that first experience of homelessness from becoming a cycle.
Focus: First-time homelessness with rapid rehousing and wraparound support services.
4. Haven of Hope Rapid Rehousing Program
Domestic violence survivors face unique housing challenges, often forced to choose between safety and shelter. DuPagePads' Haven of Hope program provides apartments specifically for survivors, combining safe housing with specialized services including safety planning and trauma-informed case management. Participants can receive rental subsidies and housing-related assistance for up to two years, plus help finding new housing when they're ready to transition. This program recognizes that escaping violence requires more than just a place to stay: it requires comprehensive support and planning.
Specialization: Domestic violence survivors with up to two years of rental assistance and specialized services.
5. DuPage County Housing Assistance Program
Sometimes the difference between housing stability and homelessness is a single missed rent payment or unexpected expense. DuPage County's Housing Assistance Program provides emergency financial assistance to income-eligible households facing housing crises, helping people stay in their current homes when possible and securing affordable alternatives when necessary. This program serves as a crucial safety net, offering limited but targeted financial assistance for rent, mortgage payments, or other housing-related costs that could trigger homelessness.
Contact: DuPage County Community Services at 630-407-6500 for eligibility and application information.
Beyond the Big Five: Additional Resources
DuPage County offers several other programs that support housing stability, including the Single-Family Rehabilitation Program (providing up to $15,000 for essential home repairs) and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for utility cost assistance. These programs address the reality that affordable housing isn't just about rent: it's about maintaining safe, healthy living conditions that families can actually afford.
Why This Matters for Our Campaign
Every person deserves to know what resources exist in their community, but too often these programs operate in silos with limited outreach and confusing application processes. As your County Board representative, I'll push for better coordination between housing providers, clearer communication about available programs, and increased funding for the initiatives that are already working.
We need leaders who understand that housing stability is the foundation for everything else: job security, children's education, community health, and economic development. When people have safe, affordable homes, our entire county benefits.
The housing crisis won't solve itself, but we have tools available right now that can make a real difference in people's lives. My job is making sure every resident knows how to access them.
Sources:
DuPage Housing Authority: 630-690-3555
DuPagePads Supportive Housing Programs
DuPage County Community Services: 630-407-6500
211 DuPage for additional resource navigation
Ready to take action? Join our campaign and help us build a DuPage County where housing is a right, not a privilege.
