HACC

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a voluntary program available to Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) participants who are motivated to achieve greater financial independence. The program is designed to support families in reaching long-term goals such as employment, education, and homeownership.

When enrolling in the FSS Program, participants work with a case manager to develop five personal goals that focus on building self-sufficiency. Participants have up to five years to complete these goals.

As a participant’s earned income increases and their portion of rent goes up, the Housing Authority sets aside the difference in a special savings account known as an FSS escrow account. This account grows over time as the participant’s income continues to rise.

Upon successful completion of the program and achievement of all five goals, participants graduate and receive the full balance of their escrow account. This financial incentive can be used to support continued progress—such as buying a home, paying off debt, or investing in education.

The Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) offers a Homeownership Program designed to help eligible voucher holders’ transition from renting to owning a home. This program is available to first-time homebuyers who meet specific requirements and are ready to invest in long-term housing stability.

To qualify, participants must:

• Be a first-time homebuyer
• Have a gross annual income of at least $17,160 (excluding elderly and disabled participants)
• Elderly or disabled participants must receive at least $9,396 annually in benefits
• Be employed full-time for the past two consecutive years (excluding elderly and disabled participants)
• Have a minimum FICO credit score of 640
• Have no outstanding debt with HACC or any other housing authority
• Attend a HACC Homeownership Briefing
• Maintain a savings account with a minimum balance of $3,000

Get Started Today:
If you meet the eligibility requirements, we encourage you to take the first step by signing up for a Homeownership Briefing. Email us at homeownership@thehacc.org to learn more and begin your path to homeownership.

VASH is a collaborative program that pairs HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance with VA case management and supportive services. These services are designed to help homeless Veterans and their families obtain permanent housing and access the health care, mental health treatment, and other supports necessary to help them improve their quality of life and maintain housing over time

The Mainstream Voucher Program aids non-elderly persons with disabilities, helping them live independently in the community while maintaining access to safe and affordable housing. This program is administered by the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) in collaboration with the Continuum of Care (CoC) and the Cook County Department of Public Health.

The program serves individuals who meet one or more of the following criteria:
Transitioning out of institutional or other segregated settings
At serious risk of institutionalization
Currently experiencing homelessness
Previously homeless and now living in permanent supportive housing or rapid re-housing
At risk of becoming homeless

Referrals to the Mainstream Voucher Program come directly from the CoC and the Cook County Department of Public Health

The Family Unification Program (FUP) provides Housing Choice Vouchers to help prevent family separation and support housing stability for youth aging out of foster care. This referral-based program is administered by the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

FUP for Families

This program assists families involved with DCFS whose children are at risk of being removed or not returned to the household due to inadequate housing. DCFS refers eligible families to HACC, which then issues a housing voucher to help the family secure safe and stable housing and support family reunification.

FUP for Youth

FUP also supports young adults aged 18 to 24 who either aged out of foster care at age 16 or older or are preparing to leave foster care within 90 days. To qualify, these individuals must also be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Referred by DCFS, eligible youth receive housing vouchers for up to 36 months, giving them time to establish independence and long-term stability.

The Flexibility, Livability, Outcomes, Wellness (FLOW) Program is a rental assistance initiative administered by the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC). The program supports formerly homeless individuals and families with disabilities who are transitioning out of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH).

FLOW is designed for households that no longer require intensive support services but still need assistance to maintain stable housing. By providing Housing Choice Vouchers, FLOW helps these families continue living independently in the community while freeing up PSH units for others in need.

HACC collaborates with the Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County and receives referrals through the local Continuum of Care (CoC). Eligible participants are issued vouchers to support their ongoing housing stability, allowing PSH units to become available for other chronically homeless individuals and families with disabilities.

The Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program is a federally funded initiative that helps individuals and families facing housing crises find safe, stable housing. Administered in partnership with Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), Continuums of Care (CoCs), and Victim Service Providers (VSPs), the program is designed to support some of the most vulnerable members of the community. Eligibility for the EHV Program is determined by the local Continuum of Care.

Through the EHV Program, Housing Choice Vouchers are provided to eligible individuals and families who are:

• Experiencing homelessness
• At risk of becoming homeless
• Fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking
• Recently homeless or facing a high risk of housing instability