800th CHA RESIDENT BECOMES HOMEOWNER THANKS TO "CHOOSE TO OWN"
CHA’s Choose to Own (CTO) program allows qualified public housing residents and Housing Choice Voucher holders to use a portion of their rent payments to accumulate equity and offset their mortgage. Sherrie Gary is the 800th resident to purchase a home since the CTO program started in 2002. 
 
“Without CTO, I would have hit obstacles and wouldn't have been prepared for bumps in the road,” Ms. Gary said. “I am glad the program helped my family turn a house into a home.” CTO is just one way that CHA is helping families achieve economic power. 
 
CHICAGO RECIEVES $60 MILLION GRANT TO END HOMELESSNESS
HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge traveled to Chicago this month to present a $60 million grant for homelessness relief. The City of Chicago was the single largest grant recipient in the nation. The grant will be used to implement a comprehensive plan to reduce unsheltered homelessness. This will also help strengthen homeless outreach and provide access to permanent housing.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: CHA CHAIRPERSON HURLOCK HONORED BY TREASURER FRERICHS

Congrats to CHA’s Board of Commissioners Chairperson Angela Hurlock, who was honored by State of Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs for Outstanding Service in Leadership during a Black History Month event held in mid-February. Chairperson Hurlock, who also leads Claretian Associates, Inc., has more than 20 years of experience in providing affordable housing to low-income residents of Chicago. “The way to make the world a better place is to serve where you stand,” Hurlock said.
CASA DURANGO OPENS IN PILSEN
CHA CEO Tracey Scott joined leaders from The Resurrection Project (TRP), representatives of the Pilsen community, the City of Chicago, the Illinois Housing Development Authority, BMO Harris Bank and other partners to celebration of the opening of Casa Durango, a 53-unit multi-family affordable housing development across two properties: 1858 S. Racine Avenue and 2010 S. Ashland Avenue. CHA is providing 9 Project-Based Vouchers in the building at 1858 S. Racine, representing a total of more than $5.8 million in rental assistance over 30 years.

“This partnership in housing means that more people from Pilsen, people who grew up in Pilsen and who love Pilsen - will have opportunities to remain in Pilsen,” said Scott. “It is all part of CHA’s mission to keep all neighborhoods affordable, and to invest not just in buildings – but to invest in people.”
PRESERVING HOMES FOR SENIORS: CONSTRUCTION BEGINS AT IRENE MCCOY GAINES
Work has begun on the $45 million rehab of Irene McCoy Gaines Apartments, a 300-unit CHA senior property in East Garfield Park that is being developed by Michaels Development.

The 17-story building, built in 1964, will undergo extensive rehab of all units, including new HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems and new amenity spaces. The property will remain an affordable home for years to come thanks to work financed through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s RAD program and support from the City of Chicago. 
 
Construction is expected to be completed in 2024. Michaels has also started work on the $100 million rehab of Albany Terrace Apartments, a 350-unit CHA senior property in South Lawndale.