HODC invests in places that people call home. HODC builds and manages quality, affordable housing, creating opportunities for people to not only live, but also thrive.
We envision a society where access to quality, affordable housing is a reality and housing insecurity is a thing of the past.
HODC creates safe, affordable homes in communities where housing is out of reach for too many. Founded by local community leaders in 1983 who were inspired by Martin Luther King Jr’s impact on fair housing, HODC works primarily in Chicago’s northern suburbs where affordable housing options remain scarce.
HODC’s affordable housing:
HODC is a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) as well as a HUD approved housing counseling agency that serves in north suburban Cook, Lake and McHenry Counties.
To date, HODC has completed 35 affordable housing projects with 686 units and manages 764 affordable apartments and homes with more developments in the pipeline.
Through four core programs, HODC opens doors to safe, affordable housing and expand opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.
About half of HODC’s tenants pay rent on a sliding scale set at 30% of their income, while others pay fixed rents that are well below market rates. Both options make it possible for residents to live in safe, stable homes they can truly afford—freeing up income for food, healthcare, transportation, and other essentials. Affordable rent means more than a roof overhead: it supports better health, access to resources, and a stronger foundation for future opportunities.
After years of renting, HODC achieved a major milestone—purchasing a permanent home for our administrative offices. On May 20, 2022, we proudly celebrated the opening of our new headquarters in Skokie, a lasting base for our mission to create safe, affordable housing.
Click the button below to see pictures and videos from the day.
In the U.S., families should not have to spend more than 30% of their income on housing. But many people pay over half of what they earn just to keep a roof over their heads. Even with steady jobs, high rents leave too little for food, medicine, and transportation.
HODC offers affordable homes so people can afford life’s basics and plan for a more secure future.