Housing Opportunity Development Corporation (HODC)
Housing Opportunity Development Corporation (HODC) is a community-based nonprofit developer of affordable housing founded in 1983. HODC’s mission is to develop, manage and preserve housing that is affordable to low- and moderate-income households primarily in Chicago’s northern suburbs. By offering rental units at prices affordable to people making less than $40,000 per year, HODC works to overcome the obstacle of access to opportunity. Without first having basic access to shelter, none of life’s other necessities or issues can be addressed. Having a safe, affordable place to live is the core of a healthy life today. The need for affordable housing only grows as wages stagnate and housing costs skyrocket, especially in suburban areas. HODC’s work is compelled by the principle that every additional unit HODC develops or preserves results in a direct and tangible difference for the individuals and families who live with us.
As a survivor of domestic violence living with a traumatic brain injury, finding safe and affordable housing felt impossible for Phalecia. But then, a few years ago she found HODC. When she moved into one of HODC's supportive housing developments for people living with a disability, Phalecia encountered stability, hope, and the chance to rebuild her life. Inspired by her experience, Phalecia joined our board of directors and is passionate about helping others achieve the same stability.
Financials
Programs
Property Management
HODC manages 458 units that house over 630 people throughout the suburbs including properties in Arlington Heights, Deerfield, Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park, Niles, Northbrook, Northfield, Palatine, Skokie, and Wilmette. Tenants served include families, seniors, persons with disabilities, individuals, homeless households and local workers. HODC’s property management department provides flexible and efficient property management services for our low income tenants. We manage rental units that HODC owns, units that we developed and third-party-owned properties. Developments range in size from 1 house to 99 units. HODC accepts rental assistance vouchers (Section 8) and has many units that are handicapped accessible.
Housing Development
To date, HODC has developed 33 projects and created 617 well-built affordable living units in safe communities. We have 6 additional projects in the pipeline that will create or preserve an additional 222 affordable housing rental units in the next two to three years. HODC develops properties on our own and through partnerships with other nonprofit and for-profit organizations. We have properties located throughout Chicagoland of all sizes from single-family homes to small apartment buildings to large multifamily properties. Apartment sizes range from studios to four-bedroom units. Completed developments have targeted families, seniors and supportive housing for those who are homeless or disabled.
Housing Counseling
As a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, HODC provides reverse mortgage counseling for homeowners aged 62 and older. Reverse mortgage counseling explains how reverse mortgages work, discusses the benefits and drawbacks, and helps the consumer to understand their options and make informed decisions.
Service Coordination
HODC’s Service Coordinators help to connect tenants with supportive services in the community. The goal is to help all tenants to stay stably and independently housed, age in place, and delay or avoid the need for higher levels care (e.g., an assisted living facility or skilled nursing facility). They provide connections to necessary supportive services in the community, encourage continuity of these services, and develop programs and resources that support wellness for the entire tenant population. The Service Coordinators also work with HODC’s property management team to identify situations in which their services may help a tenant stay stably housed or remain independent.
Volunteering + Events
Join HODC's Board of Directors or a Board Committee
Leaders with a vision for social good can serve on the Board of Directors, while those with expertise in social media, event planning, marketing, or fundraising can contribute on sub-committees of the Communications & Development Committee.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program
The "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" volunteer program aims to beautify and enhance the community living spaces of low-income tenants in HODC affordable housing developments, fostering a sense of community and pride. Through collaborative painting projects that refresh interiors and exteriors, as well as landscaping initiatives that add greenery and vibrancy, the program works to transform these spaces into welcoming and beautiful homes.
